The Russian Orthodox Church conveyed its heartfelt gratitude to the Serbian Orthodox Church for its unwavering support regarding the Ukrainian ecclesiastical issue, specifically concerning the “persecuted” and “canonical” Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) under Metropolitan Onufriy. This appreciation was expressed during Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk’s visit to Novi Sad, Serbia, on Saturday, November 16. The close relationship between the two Churches was further underscored by a phone call between Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia on the same day.
Metropolitan Anthony’s Visit to Serbia
Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, participated in the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy presided over by Patriarch Porfirije at the Cathedral of St. George in Novi Sad. Following the Liturgy, a memorial service was held to honor the victims of a recent railway tragedy that had shaken the region.
During his visit, Metropolitan Anthony met with Serbia’s Prime Minister, Miloš Vučević, where he conveyed Patriarch Kirill’s gratitude for the Serbian Church’s steadfast support. He highlighted the solidarity shown by Patriarch Porfirije and the Serbian hierarchy toward the UOC, which is facing significant challenges. Discussions also addressed further strengthening bilateral relations between the two Churches.
Phone Conversation Between the Patriarchs
Later that day, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia engaged in a phone conversation, reaffirming their close ties. Patriarch Kirill updated his Serbian counterpart on recent developments and challenges facing the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Porfirije, in turn, emphasized the historical and enduring bond between the Serbian and Russian peoples and reiterated the Serbian Church’s steadfast brotherly support for the Russian Orthodox Church.
Translated from Russian: Konstantinos Menyktas
