Patriarch Kirill concluded the irenic visit to the Serbian Church
In honour of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej arranged a reception which was attended by members of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church, bishops and clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as by representatives of the public and political life of Serbia.
On this occasion Serbian Patriarch Irinej awarded Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk and Bishop Sergius of Solnechnogorsk with the Order of Saint Sava, 2nd degree; while protopresbyters Nikolai Balashov, Igor Jakimchuk, Andrei Milkin and protodeacon Vladimir Nazarkin, deacon Alexander Volkov and Mr. Legoida Vladimir Romanovich, were awarded with the Order of Saint Sava, 3rd degree.
Patriarch Irinej addressed His Holiness Kirill with warm words of gratitude for the irenic and friendly visit.
On behalf of the delegation of the Russian Church, words of gratitude were pronounced by Metropolitan Hilarion, who also said that many events during the visit of Patriarch Kirill to the Serbian Orthodox Church would enter Church history, but some would enter also textbooks of secular history. One of these events is undoubtedly the rite of blessing of the monument to Tsar Martyr Nicholas II performed by the two Patriarchs, in the presence of the President of Serbia…
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed the audience as well. He expressed hope and conviction that also Serbia and Russia would continue to foster the most sincere and friendly feelings, and added that those who had shed their blood on behalf of brotherhood and friendship, also today were united with us in prayers.
After the reception, Patriarch Kirill and the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church went to the airport Nikola Tesla, from where they flew to Moscow. The high guests were escorted by Patriarch Irinej and many bishops and clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church. Ambassador of the Russian Federation H.E. Alexander Chepurin also was present. Herewith the irenic visit of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to the Serbian Orthodox Church was concluded.
