Representative of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia to the Patriarch of Antioch celebrates Liturgy in Damascus

On 10 April 2016, hegumen Arseny (Sokolov), representative of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia to the Patriarch of Antioch and All the Eats celebrated Divine Liturgy in the capital of Syria after a long recess. Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), DECR secretary for inter-Christian relations, concelebrated.

Attending the service at the Church of St. Ignatius of Antioch were members of the State Duma Interfactional Deputies’ group for protection of Christian values.

Coordinator of group, Mr. Sergei Gavrilov, and member of the Federation Council, Mr. Dmitry Sablin, participated in the service as sacristans.

On April 11 they joined by deputy Alexander Yuschenko in visiting the famous Convent of St. Thecla in Mal’oula now being restored.

Mr. Gavrilov said that the main task today is to stop seizures and bloodshed in the country. This will allow Russian pilgrims to come to Syria again.

“Russia will render possible assistance to the people of Syria in restoring icons mosaics and interior of the monasteries and convents,” he added.