The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Paris hosted a festive liturgy celebrating the 83rd birthday of Metropolitan John, head of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe. This Archdiocese unites communities of Russian Orthodox tradition in France and several European countries under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The liturgy was led by Metropolitan John, with Metropolitan Mark, head of the Ryazan Metropolia, concelebrating. Metropolitan Mark has been temporarily entrusted with managing the Western European Exarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, which oversees Moscow Patriarchate parishes in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Clergy from both the Archdiocese in Paris and the Korsun Diocese, one of the main Russian Orthodox dioceses abroad in Europe, also participated in the service. Following the liturgy, Metropolitan John expressed gratitude to Metropolitan Mark for his joint prayers, while Metropolitan Mark congratulated the jubilarian and presented him with an icon of Saint Nicholas, according to the Korsun Diocese website.

The celebration comes amid significant personnel changes in the Russian Orthodox Church’s structures abroad. Last week, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia removed Metropolitan Nestor, previously head of the Western European Exarchate, from management of the dioceses under his jurisdiction. This includes the Korsun Diocese (France and Switzerland), the Spanish-Portuguese Diocese, and Moscow Patriarchate parishes in Italy. The suspension is connected to a church-legal investigation concerning Metropolitan Nestor, as stated in the Patriarch’s directive.

Temporary administration of these structures has been assigned to Metropolitan Mark. On November 12, he arrived in Paris, met with Metropolitan Nestor, and assumed leadership of the Exarchate and dioceses. During his visit, Metropolitan Mark also toured the Trinity Cathedral—the main church of the Russian Orthodox Church in France—reviewed diocesan operations, and met with staff. That same day, he held a meeting with Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov.