The visit of Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos and the Diapontian Islands to Russia continues. The Metropolitan has been in the country since August 18 together with a Greek delegation, accompanying the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, which was brought from Corfu for veneration by the faithful.
During his stay in the country, Metropolitan Nektarios has been holding meetings with hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, while the sacred relic is being taken to various regions of Russia.
On August 19, Metropolitan Nektarios concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Following the Divine Liturgy, the two hierarchs exchanged honors, with Patriarch Kirill presenting an award to Metropolitan Nektarios, who, in turn, bestowed a distinction of the Metropolis of Corfu upon the Patriarch.
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.
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan and Tatarstan and other hierarchs concelebrated.
Notably, during the Divine Liturgy, a prayer for “peace” was offered, without, however, any reference being made to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Also striking was the fact that a prayer was offered for the Russian armed forces, in the presence of a Metropolitan of the Church of Greece.
At the same time, departed Primates of the Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches were commemorated. It should be noted, however, that the Moscow Patriarchate does not commemorate Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Kirill of Kazan thanked Metropolitan Nektarios for their joint prayer at the site associated with the appearance of the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. He also presented him with an icon of the Mother of God of Kazan.
In recognition of his contribution to bringing the right hand of Saint Spyridon to the Metropolis of Kazan, Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu was awarded the Medal of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, First Class.
For his part, Metropolitan Nektarios thanked Metropolitan Kirill for the hospitality extended to the delegation from Corfu and presented him with a Holy Gospel.
Following the Divine Liturgy, an official event was held to mark the arrival of the sacred relic of Saint Spyridon in Kazan. During the event, all members of the Greek delegation were awarded the Medal of Saint Gury of Kazan, Second Class.
