A new Orthodox church dedicated to the icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” was solemnly consecrated in Zahle, Lebanon, in a grand ceremony that underscored the deep spiritual ties between the Russian and Antiochian Orthodox Churches.

The newly built church, designed in traditional Russian architectural style, stands as a symbol of unity and fraternal love between the two Orthodox communities. The consecration was led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations. The service brought together hierarchs from Russia, Lebanon, and other countries, with prayers offered in Arabic, Greek, and Church Slavonic.

Hundreds of local residents attended the event, along with political and civic leaders and representatives of various Christian and Muslim communities in Lebanon.

The project was initiated by Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis, the representative of the Antiochian Patriarchate to the Patriarch of Moscow. Construction began in 2019 and was funded by the Russian Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage, as well as private donors. A museum has also been opened on the church grounds.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Anthony conveyed greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. He emphasized that the completion of the church fulfilled Metropolitan Niphon's long-held dream to build a Russian-style church in his homeland, and hailed it as a visible symbol of the enduring bond between the two Local Churches. Metropolitan Anthony also presented Metropolitan Niphon with the Order of St. Andrew the Iconographer (Second Class) and gifted the church with a consecrated altar cross.

In his response, Metropolitan Niphon expressed heartfelt gratitude to Patriarch Kirill, the Russian Church, and all benefactors. He highlighted the spiritual connection between Lebanon and Russia, now embodied in the newly consecrated church.