Metropolitan Hilarion awards DECR deputy chairman archpriest Nikolai Balashov with Medal of St. Mark of Ephesus

On 15 December 2016, Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, deputy chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR), was congratulated on his 60^th birthday.

The DECR chairman, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, addressed the anniversary celebrant, saying: ‘I highly appreciate your work at the DECR. You are a very reliable and responsible person, and whatever you do has a seal of approval… I would like to note your indefatigable industry and the fact that you spare no effort in performing many various tasks entrusted to you.’

Metropolitan Hilarion awarded Archpriest Nikolai Balashov with the Medal of St. Mark of Ephesus, 1^st class, and a pectoral cross.

Archpriest Nikolai said that he felt happy and wished to work for the Holy Church as long as the Lord gives him strength.