After the Divine Liturgy in the Assumption Cathedral of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, on April 25, 2025, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and His Holiness Patriarch Porphyry of Serbia visited the Trinity-Sergius Cathedral of the monastery, whose main relics are the ark with the relics of Saint Sergius of Radonezh and the icon of the Holy Trinity, painted by Saint Andrei Rublev.

After offering prayers in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the patriarchs venerated the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the icon of the Holy Trinity, as well as the relics of the Nikon Chapel and the Serapion Palace.

Then, in the Throne Hall of the Patriarchal Palace of the Holy Lavra, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia performed the ceremonial act of presenting the Order of the Russian Orthodox Church to the Primate and Hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

In recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Porfiry of Serbia was awarded the Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, First Class.

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia presented His Eminence Archbishop of Novi Sad and Metropolitan of Bačka, Irinej with the Order of Glory and Honor, second degree, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

After presenting the awards, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church warmly congratulated the Patriarch of Serbia, His Holiness Porfiry, and the Metropolitan of Bačka, His Holiness Irinej.

The ceremony was attended by members of the delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Minister in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, His Holiness Nenad Popović, Ambassador Momčilo Babić, as well as employees of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia.

Source: patriarchia.ru