Russia, October 29, 2025
Met. Nektarios venerating the relics of St. Matrona. Photo: pokrov-monastir.ru
His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos and the Diapontian Islands (Church of Greece) is currently on pilgrimage to some of Russia’s most venerated Orthodox sites.
The Greek hierarch, who has taken a strong stand in defense of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, is leading a delegation that includes clergy from the Church of Greece on the multi-day visit.
On October 24, Met. Nektarios and the delegation visited Holy Protection Convent in Moscow to venerate the relics of St. Matrona of Moscow, the monastery reports.
Abbess Theophania accompanied the guests through the monastery’s Protection Church and led a brief tour describing the history and revival of the monastery. The delegation also visited the museum, where one room recreates the living conditions of St. Matrona.
Serving in St. Petersburg. Photo: mitropolia.spb.ru
On October 26, Metropolitan Nektarios concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Metropolitan Barsanuphius of St. Petersburg and Ladoga and His Grace Bishop Benjamin of Kronstadt at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.
In his remarks at the cathedral, Met. Nektarios emphasized the historical bonds between Corfu and Russia, mentioning Admiral St. Theodore Ushakov, who liberated the island from the French in the late 18th century, and Ioannis Kapodistrias, a native of Corfu who served as Foreign Minister of the Russian Empire. He also referenced two hierarchs from Corfu—Eugenios Voulgaris and Nikiforos Theotokis—who came to Russia in the 18th century and served in the Astrakhan and Slavyansk dioceses.
Venerating the relics of St. Ksenia. Photo: mitropolia.spb.ru
Following the Liturgy, the three hierarchs visited holy sites at Smolensk Cemetery, chiefly the chapel of St. Ksenia of St. Petersburg and the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.
Serving at Optina. Photo: Optina Hermitage
Yesterday, October 28, Met. Nektarios and the Greek delegation visited the famous Optina Hermitage for the feast of the Multiplier of Wheat Icon of the Mother of God. At the end of the service, the Metropolitan addressed those gathered, saying he had long desired to visit Optina Pustyn and his wish had finally been fulfilled.
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