Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu has travelled to Russia accompanying the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, one of the most highly venerated relics in the Orthodox Christian world, according to TASS media outlet.
It should be noted that the Moscow Patriarchate severed communion with the Church of Greece in response to the latter’s recognition of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine on October 12, 2019.
Furthermore, on October 21, 2019, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens sent a letter to Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, paving the way for their mutual commemoration.
With the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the sacred relic was brought from the Greek island of Corfu to Russia on August 17, 2026, to be made available for veneration and to offer spiritual support to the faithful.
Metropolitan Nektarios, who is accompanying the relic on behalf of the Church in Corfu, was welcomed upon arrival at the airport by Metropolitan Gregory of Voskresensk, representing the Russian Orthodox Church.
The visit will provide Orthodox Christians across Russia with an opportunity to venerate the relic of Saint Spyridon, whose remains are kept on Corfu and who is widely revered for his intercessions and assistance to those facing hardship.
The relic is scheduled to be taken to 13 locations across Russia, with public veneration beginning on August 20.
In a message marking the occasion, Patriarch Kirill described Saint Spyridon as “one of the saints most deeply venerated by our people,” emphasizing his role as a protector of those in need and a source of consolation for those experiencing suffering.
The Russian Patriarch expressed his conviction that the presence of the relic would spiritually strengthen the faithful and reinforce their faith and devotion.
Photos: foma.ru
