Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk meets with the newly-appointed Ambassador of Russia to Switzerland

On 28 December 2016, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR) and rector of the Ss Cyril and Methodius Theological Institute of Post-Graduate Studies, met with Mr. Sergei Garmonin, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Taking part in the meeting, which took place at the Institute premises, was Miguel Palacio, a staff member of the DECR secretariat for far abroad countries and head of public relations and protocol administration of the Institute.

In the course of the talk, which was held in a constructive atmosphere, the DECR chairman told the guest about the situation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Switzerland. Ambassador Garmonin recalled cooperation with the Moscow Patriarchate at his different diplomatic posts and expressed his willingness to develop relations during his work in the Swiss Federation.

Issues of mutual interest were also discussed.