THE AMBASSADOR OF RUSSIA TO ISRAEL VISITS THE PATRIARCHATE

On Wednesday the 12^th/25^th of November 2015, the Russian Ambassador to Israel, Mr Alexander Shein, visited the Patriarchate. He was welcomed by Patriarch Theophilos and Hagiotaphite Fathers.

An interesting discussion took place in the context of the meeting, on the position of the Patriarchate in the Holy Land, its natural, proprietary, venerating and cultural heritage, and on the harmonious relations it maintains with the Patriarchate of Moscow, especially in modern years. Reference was also made to the Monasteries of the Patriarchate of Moscow within the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Mr Shein and the Patriarch also pointed out the need to unite the Church and the state’s peace-making forces in order to fight incidents of atrocious violence that cost the lives of the innocent.

After the exchange of gifts, the Patriarch wished the Russian Ambassador a successful tenure to the benefit of his country and of Christians in the Holy Land.

From the Secretariat-General

httpv://youtu.be/RsXhe73qZS4