The Russian Orthodox Church gifted His Holiness Pope Tawadros II a Medal of “Glory and Honor” for his tenth anniversary of his Enthronement and his 70th birthday, in appreciation of His Holiness’ efforts in working on relations between the Coptic and the Russian Churches.

Today at the Papal Residence in Cairo, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II received Archbishop Anthony Volokolamsk, Head of the External Relations Department of the Russian Orthodox Church, accompanied by Father Stephan (Igomenov), Director of the Secretariat for Christian Relations in Moscow Patriarchate, and Father Alexander, Secretary of His Eminence the Metropolitan, to award His Holiness the medal on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

His Eminence Archbishop Anthony Volokolamsk praised the relations between the Coptic and Russian churches, and praised the prominent role of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II in strengthening and growing the relationship between the two churches.

His Holiness Pope Tawadros expressed his warm welcome to the Russian delegation and his pride in the friendly relations between the Coptic and Russian churches, as well as the deep friendship that unites the Egyptian and Russian people. His Holiness also expressed his happiness with the congratulatory message he received from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

His Holiness mentioned the mutual activities that are between the two churches through The Joint Committee For Cooperation between the churches. His Holiness also thanked the Russian Church for providing facilities for the Coptic Church to serve its children and providing places for prayers and also for the Medal of “Glory and Honor” which was founded by the Late Patriarch Alexy II.

The Medal of “Glory and Honor” was founded in 2004 by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Russian Church headed by His Holiness Late Patriarch Alexy II, the Late Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and it is the second oldest Medal of the Russian Orthodox Church. The naming of the Medal came from St. Paul’s Epistle saying: “glory, honor and peace to everyone who works what is good” (Romans 2:10).
It is awarded to Heads of States and Government, Heads of International Organisations, Heads of Churches and to Public Figures for their contribution towards relations between Churches and Religions, to promote peace and friendship among people.

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