Antiochian delegation discusses expanded cooperation with Russian Church

Participants in the meeting. Photo: DECR ROC

The chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations (DECR) met with hierarchs of the Antiochian Orthodox Church to discuss expanding humanitarian cooperation and inter-Orthodox relations. Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk received the delegation from Lebanon in Moscow on July 24, 2026.

The Antiochian delegation included Metropolitan Silouan of Mount Lebanon, Metropolitan Antonios of Zahle and Baalbek, and Archimandrite Jeremiah (Azzam). During the meeting, the participants coordinated the implementation of joint charitable projects and discussed current issues affecting the Orthodox world.

Metropolitan Anthony also recalled his visit to the Lebanese city of Zahle, where, in May of last year, he consecrated the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy."

Also taking part in the talks was Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis, the Representative of the Patriarch of Antioch to the Patriarch of Moscow. Representing the Russian Orthodox Church were Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, Deputy Chairman of the DECR, and Archimandrite Philip (Vasiltsev), the Representative of the Patriarch of Moscow to the Patriarch of Antioch. The participants expressed their satisfaction at the opportunity to continue direct dialogue between the Local Orthodox Churches.

As previously reported by the UOJ, Patriarch Theophilos discussed inter-Orthodox relations with a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church.

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