Russia marked Unity Day on November 4 — a national holiday commemorating the 1612 liberation of Moscow from Polish occupation by the volunteer army of Minin and Pozharsky. The date also coincides with the Feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

President Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill attended the “Orthodox Rus” exhibition-forum in Moscow’s Manege Hall. The central feature, “The Great Victory: Russia — My History,” presented over 700 exhibits, including wartime relics and personal belongings of WWII heroes. Later that day, the Kremlin hosted an awards ceremony where Patriarch Kirill received the Presidential Prize for Strengthening National Unity.

In Kazan, traditional celebrations honoring the Kazan Icon included an all-night vigil and a large religious procession from the Annunciation Cathedral to the Bogoroditsky Convent, drawing clergy, residents, and pilgrims.

On November 1, Serbia observed the anniversary of the Novi Sad railway station disaster, in which a roof collapse killed 16 people in 2024. Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia led a memorial service in Belgrade’s St. Sava Church, attended by President Aleksandar Vučić, government officials, and thousands of worshippers. Nationwide tributes included flower-laying ceremonies, 16 minutes of silence, floating wreaths on the Danube, and the release of 16 lanterns from Petrovaradin Fortress. Serbia and Republika Srpska both declared a day of mourning.

Court proceedings continued in Dnipro against Metropolitan Arseny of Sviatohirsk, accused of “justifying Russian aggression.” On November 3, the court ordered his detention for 60 days despite health concerns following a hypertensive crisis. The hierarch called the decision “not a defeat, but a victory,” expressing gratitude for worldwide prayers. Several MPs offered to act as guarantors, but their petitions were denied.

A relic of Saint Olga of Alaska was transferred from the United States to the Czech Republic on October 30. Archpriest Alessandro Margeritino met with Metropolitan Rastislav to deliver the relic and greetings from Metropolitan Tikhon. The saints, canonized in 2023, is revered as the patroness of women and mercy. Discussions also focused on theological education and academic cooperation.

In Tbilisi, Metropolitan Shio met with Archbishop Leo of the Finnish Orthodox Church on November 4. The two leaders discussed secular challenges, interfaith dialogue, and preserving spiritual values. Both sides emphasized open communication as key to maintaining Orthodox witness in today’s world.

The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) celebrated the first liturgy of its new parish in Gibraltar’s Cathedral of St. Mary. The service, led by Hieromonk Theodor, featured the revered Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign.” The young parish, founded in 2023, brings together believers of various nationalities and holds monthly services.