Today (Tuesday), H.H. Pope Tawadros II received at the Papal Residence in Cairo, a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Isidore of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh, Chairman of the Joint Commission for Relations between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Isidore conveyed to Pope Tawadros the greetings of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, expressing his deep appreciation for the fraternal ties between the two Churches. He also requested His Holiness’ blessing for himself and his ministry, and thanked the Coptic Orthodox Church for the warm hospitality extended to Russian delegations visiting Egypt.

Metropolitan Isidore noted that the Russian Orthodox Church has designated February 1 as a day of commemoration for the Coptic martyrs and saints. He also mentioned that this year’s annual conference of the Russian Church focused on Coptic monasticism and its spiritual influence on Russian monasticism.

The Metropolitan further expressed his gratitude to His Holiness for his support of the Russian community in Hurghada through the provision of a place for prayer. He affirmed the great interest of Patriarch Kirill in strengthening relations with the Coptic Orthodox Church and his commitment to encouraging Russian dioceses to welcome Coptic faithful and make church facilities available to them for worship whenever needed.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance exchange programs between students of the theological seminaries of the two Churches, thereby deepening mutual understanding and strengthening ecclesiastical and spiritual bonds.

For his part, Pope Tawadros emphasized the importance of strengthening relations among the Orthodox Churches. He noted the need in the present age for a unified Orthodox voice, not only in theological matters but also in addressing contemporary social and humanitarian issues. His Holiness also expressed his hope that a gathering of the Patriarchs of the Orthodox Churches might be held in the near future.

Concluding his remarks, Pope Tawadros cited the words of St. Paul: “For the love of Christ compels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14). He emphasized that love is the foundation of Christian witness and, consequently, of unity among the Churches.

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