On May 22, a joint Divine Liturgy of the Russian and Antiochian Churches was held at the Russian Orthodox Church Compound in Damascus, in the Church of St. Ignatius the God-Bearer. The service was led by Bishop Roman of Seleucia, the chief secretary of the Holy Synod of the Antiochian Orthodox Church. He was joined by Archimandrite Philip (Vasilstev), the head of the Compound, along with Protopriests Fida Jabbour and Iakov.

The liturgy was conducted in both Church Slavonic and Arabic. During the fervent supplication, the head of the Compound read a prayer for Holy Russia, as reported by the website of the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Damascus.

After the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Roman congratulated Archimandrite Philip and the parishioners of the Compound, conveying the blessings of His Beatitude Patriarch John. Bishop Roman also extended greetings to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

In his response, Archimandrite Philip warmly welcomed Bishop Roman and expressed profound gratitude to His Beatitude Patriarch John for his attention and care for the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church. As a memento of the service, the head of the Compound presented Bishop Roman with an ornate cross, blessed on the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Photo: Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate / mospat.ru