Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, arrived in Kamchatka on Friday, September 15, to officiate the consecration of the new Maritime Cathedral in the region's capital. This was announced by the Kamchatka government's press service.

"The Most Holy Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill, has arrived for a working visit. A series of events is planned as part of the Patriarch's visit. On September 17, he will perform the rite of the grand consecration of the Kamchatka Maritime Cathedral and the Divine Liturgy," the statement said.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church arrived at the international airport of Elizovo in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, where he was greeted by a delegation led by the governor of the Kamchatka Territory, Vladimir Solodov, and Archbishop Theodor of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

Patriarch Kirill is no stranger to visiting Kamchatka. He has previously been to the Commander Islands and Palana, and in 2010, he consecrated the Trinity Cathedral in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

The Kamchatka Maritime Cathedral, dedicated to Archangel Michael, is located in the center of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky within the territory of the Holy Panteleimon Men's Monastery. The first stone of the cathedral was laid on August 28, 2013. The cathedral stands at a height of 41 meters and can accommodate up to 500 people simultaneously. The complex includes two churches: the lower one is dedicated to Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Vladimir, and the upper one is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The lower church was consecrated in 2015. It houses memorial plaques with the names of Kamchatka sailors and fishermen who never returned from the sea.