His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfiry, who is on a multi-day visit to Moscow with the delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church, spoke 23.04. at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery with the Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
On behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church, the following took part in the meeting: Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Personal Secretary of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia Bishop of Ramensk Alexy, Advisor to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, Deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, Head of Protocol of the Department for External Church Relations Abbot Theophanes (Lukyanov), Associate of the Secretariat of the Department for External Church Relations in the Sector for Inter-Orthodox Relations Mr. Andrei Khoshev.
The Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church was accompanied by: Archbishop of Novi Sad and Metropolitan of Bačka Mr. Irinej, Head of the Court of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Moscow Bishop of Remezia Mr. Stefan, the abbot of the Kovilja Monastery, Archimandrite Hariton, the head of the Cabinet of the Serbian Patriarch, Archpriest Đorđe Stojisavljević, the rector of the St. Sava Seminary in Belgrade, Protodeacon Radomir Vrućinić, Protodeacon Radojica Žagran, the monk of the Kovilja Monastery, Archdeacon Justin, deacon Ivan Vasiljević, as well as subdeacons Dejan Nakić and Vladimir Jelić.
The Primates of the two churches, immediately before the beginning of the meeting, visited the chapel at the Patriarchal Residence. Warmly welcoming the distinguished guest and expressing feelings of fraternal respect, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill emphasized that in the mutual relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church there has never been even a passing, accidental shadow of anything bad, but rather relations of mutual understanding, love, and mutual fraternal support have been constantly maintained. “This is no coincidence. Not only are our peoples related in language, culture and history, but our Churches have suffered a lot in their history, including during the persecutions of the 20th century,” Patriarch Kirill emphasized, adding:
“And this historical experience, which dates back to the depths of past centuries, as well as the experience gained in the past century, unite our two Churches, among other things, in the understanding of what a pastoral mission aimed at modern man should be today. And although at the moment there are no such persecutions as existed during the period of totalitarian regimes, what is happening on the border between church and secular life to a certain extent represents a certain danger! False ideals and false goals that are associated with achieving a high level of conformism and material well-being are emerging before people. At the same time, those spiritual and moral values ​​​​that are associated with Christianity are often pushed to the periphery. That is why in our time especially necessary joint missionary and theological efforts of our brother Churches”.
Patriarch Kirill wished Patriarch Porfiry help from the Lord in his patriarchal service for the benefit of the Serbian Church, the Serbian people and the entire Orthodoxy.
“I am glad that we are together here today, in Moscow, in the joy of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the resurrection of the human race and each of us if we have faith, humility and hope in God. There have always been temptations and problems, but the Resurrection of Christ is a true and constant fact now and always and forever and ever,” said the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Patriarch Porfiry emphasized that the good relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Serbian Orthodox Church are an excellent example for all Orthodox. “I thank you for your love and may God grant you and your associates, bishops, priests and all the Orthodox people of Russia good health and help from the Lord! Christ is Risen!”, said Patriarch Porphyry, addressing Patriarch Kirill.
In the further course of the fraternal meeting and conversation, Patriarch Kirill particularly emphasized the fact that this visit to the head of the Moscow Patriarchate is taking place during Holy Week: “Today’s meeting is unique in that we are celebrating the risen Savior together and I think that this gives a special note and depth to the relationship between our Churches. This is connected with the history, cultural kinship of our peoples, but also with the general achievement of goals. We have a constant fraternal relationship with Your Holiness, but certainly personal and confidential meetings have a special significance,” said Patriarch Kirill.
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church warmly congratulated His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfiry on being awarded the academic degree of Honorary Doctor of the Moscow Theological Academy: “This decision of the Scientific Council of our oldest theological school testifies to the high authority of Your Holiness as a theologian and church leader. I am familiar with your exceptional personal contribution to the development of spiritual and religious education in your country, with your thorough focus on this topic, as well as with your selfless efforts aimed at the spiritual enlightenment of your flock,” he concluded.