Moscow, August 25, 2026
The arrival of the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous from Greece to Russia this year was a miracle, given that negotiations had been underway for over two years amidst external pressure, says Sergey Rudov—a member of the working group organizing the transfer of the relics and Deputy Head of the World Russian People’s Council (WRPC), as reported by the Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
The right hand of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, one of the world’s most revered saints, was brought to Russia from Corfu on August 17. The Russian Orthodox Church announced that the relic would be available for veneration by the faithful in 12 Russian regions from August 20 to September 20. In Moscow, the relics will be open for veneration from September 15 to 20. A schedule and visiting hours for pilgrims can be found on the official website dedicated to the relic’s visit: www.spiridon2026.ru. Saint Spyridon’s relics had previously been brought to Russia in 2007, 2010, and 2018.
“A working group was established within the Russian Church to arrange for the bringing of the relics of Saint Spyridon, and it included many people. Not everyone, shall we say, was confident of success, given that negotiations dragged on for over two years amidst opposition from the West and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as complicated relations with the Orthodox Church of Greece,” said Rudov. The Russian Orthodox Church is currently not in eucharistic communion with the Church of Greece due its support for the uncanonical “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” formed by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2019.
He emphasized that, in his view, the bringing of the relics to Russia in 2026 was a miracle and a sign that there is something greater than earthly laws and decisions.
Regarding the Church of Greece, Rudov particularly highlighted the efforts of Metropolitan Nektarios (Dovas) of Corfu, who had participated in the initial transfer of St. Spyridon’s relics to Russia in 2007 and played a decisive role in the 2026 undertaking.
“In my view, the true stature of Bishop Nektarios will only become apparent with time. He is a deeply devout man who loves our country and rises above human conflicts; thanks to his authority, he is able to bring about things that would be simply impossible for others. Thus, through prayers and collective effort, the event came to pass,” explained the deputy head of the World Russian People’s Council.
Rudov also highlighted the symbolism of bringing the relics here amidst external pressure, noting that St. Spyridon is known, among other things, for his participation in the First Ecumenical Council and his defense of Orthodox doctrine against heresy.
Among other cities, Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, hosted the relics of St. Spyridon in the Kazan Cathedral of the Mother of God from August 2–25. Accompanied by the Greek delegation and representatives of the Cheboksar, Chuvashia diocese, the relics were brought by high-speed ferry on the Volga River. Hundreds of people came to venerate the relics in the predominantly Muslim republic of the Russian Federation.
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