Moscow, July 27, 2026
Photo: mospat.ru
Several Antiochian hierarchs came together with the head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations to celebrate the patronal feast of the Antiochian representation church in Moscow yesterday.
The celebrations took place at the Archangel Gabriel Representation of the Antiochian Church, marking the patronal feast of the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow DECR; His Eminence Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis, representative of the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia; His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan of Mount Lebanon; and His Eminence Metropolitan Anthony of Zahle and Baalbek, reports the DECR.
The hierarchs were concelebrated by both Moscow and Antiochian clergy.
Photo: mospat.ru
A group of students from the University of Balamand in Lebanon were also present. The service was celebrated in Church Slavonic and Arabic.
Following the Liturgy, a moleben to the Archangel Gabriel was celebrated in the church courtyard. Heads and representatives of diplomatic missions from 38 countries and 2 international organizations were present for the prayers.
According to Met. Niphon, the Russian and Antiochian Orthodox Churches have shared joys and sorrows together for centuries and continue to do so today, manifesting unity in the faith and love between their peoples. In prayerful remembrance, Met. Niphon presented episcopal Panagias to Met. Anthony and the hierarchs of the Antiochian Church. In turn, Met. Anthony presented Met. Niphon with a Panagia.
Following the service, a festive reception was held at the church.
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