site.btaPatriarch Porfirije of Serbia Starts Visit to Moscow

Serbian Patriarch Porfirije Tuesday started a visit to Moscow where he will stay until the end of the Holy Week. During his stay in the Russian capital, he will receive an honorary doctoral degree in theology, the Tanjug news agency reported.

A delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church, led by Patriarch Porfirije, arrived in Moscow Monday night at the invitation of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the Serbian Orthodox Church announced. The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church is accompanied by Archbishop Irinej of Novi Sad and Metropolitan of Backa, Archimandrite Hariton, hyegumen of the Kovil Monastery, Protopriest Dorde Stojisavljevic, chief of staff to the Serbian Patriarch, and Protodeacon Radomir Vrucinic, rector of the Seminary in Belgrade.

At Sheremetyevo Airport, the guests were welcomed by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, and Momcilo Babic, Ambassador of Serbia to the Russian Federation.

According to a statement from the Serbian Church, the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church will be awarded an honorary doctorate in theology by decision of the academic board of the Moscow Theological Academy, in recognition of his scholarly and educational contributions to the development of theological science and the strengthening of ties between the two sister churches.

On April 25, the two patriarchs will celebrate a liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. During Holy Week, Patriarch Porfirije and the Serbian delegation will also visit the Representation of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Moscow, as well as several monasteries and major sacred sites in the Russian capital.