Russian Patriarch's visit to foster churches' cooperation

NOVI SAD - The visit by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to Serbia, scheduled for November 14, is a return visit and a source of great spiritual joy and valuable support, Bishop Irinej of Backa has told Tanjug.

The return visits paid by Orthodox patriarchs, heads of the autocephalous, local churches, holding a service together and brotherly dialogue contribute to and reaffirm the unity of the church, said Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC).

The visit is also to foster cooperation between the two churches at all levels, the Bishop said.

Patriarch Kirill will meet with SPC dignitaries and top state officials during his stay in Serbia, Bishop Irinej said.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Patriarch Irinej will consecrate the monument honoring the last Russian emperor Nicholas Romanov in Belgrade, the Serbian Patriarchate told Tanjug earlier.

The Serbian Patriarchate did not announce the details of the visit of the Russian Patriarchate, but it is not excluded that he will visit Kosovo-Metohija.

This will be the second visit by the Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to Serbia since his enthronement.

The Russian Patriarch visited Nis in 2013, where he attended the ceremony marking 1,700 years since the signing of the Edict of Milan.

Photo Tanjug, N. Jovanovic (archive)