On December 22, 2025, the Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lebanese Republic to the Russian Federation, Bashir Shauki Saleh Azzam.
Metropolitan Anthony warmly welcomed the diplomat on the occasion of his appointment as Ambassador of Lebanon to Russia. During the meeting, the hierarch spoke about the activities of the Department for External Church Relations, as well as the longstanding relations between the Antiochian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and shared insights into the coexistence of diverse cultures and religions in Lebanon. He also highlighted Russia’s experience in the peaceful coexistence of numerous nationalities and the constructive cooperation among traditional religious communities within the country.
The interlocutors exchanged views on various issues of mutual interest and discussed prospects for further cooperation.
