Lao authorities have expressed support for the construction of the first full-scale Russian Orthodox church in the country's capital, Vientiane, following a series of meetings between Metropolitan Sergiy of Singapore and Southeast Asia and senior government officials during his recent visit to Laos.

The project, announced by the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia on June 10, centers on the construction of a church dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky. The initiative is being developed with the support of Lao authorities and is viewed as an important step in strengthening humanitarian and cultural ties between Laos and Russia.

During his visit, Metropolitan Sergiy, the Patriarchal Exarch for Southeast Asia, held discussions with representatives of the Lao government regarding the development of the Orthodox presence in the country and practical issues related to the church's construction.

At the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the metropolitan met with Deputy Speaker Sunthon Xayachak. The talks focused on the future activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Laos and procedures related to the allocation and registration of land designated for the church project.

Separate discussions took place with Bounthavy Phonethasin, head of the Department of Religious Affairs of the Lao Front for National Development. The meeting addressed cooperation between state institutions and the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia, as well as measures to support the growing Orthodox community in the country.

Metropolitan Sergiy also met with Vientiane Mayor Sililathongsin Thongpheng. The two sides reviewed practical matters connected with the transfer of land and the preparation of project documentation for the future church.

The meetings were attended by Russian Ambassador to Laos Sergey Zhetsky, members of the diplomatic mission, and representatives of the Russian Orthodox clergy.

Participants in the discussions emphasized that the church's construction would not only serve the spiritual needs of Orthodox Christians living in Laos but also symbolize the strengthening friendship between the two nations.

The Orthodox community in Laos has developed only recently. A parish of the Russian Orthodox Church was established in Vientiane in 2024, and a house chapel dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky began operating the same year. The chapel has since become a spiritual center for Russian expatriates and Orthodox believers of other nationalities residing in the country.

In addition to religious services, the parish has been active in educational and charitable initiatives. In the autumn of 2025, the community donated equipment and sports supplies to nine schools where Russian language courses are offered. Earlier that year, parishioners organized a charitable visit to a kindergarten in Vientiane Province and later launched Russian language courses for local residents.

Cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and Laos gained further momentum following a meeting between Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and the President of Laos in the summer of 2025. During those talks, both sides reaffirmed their interest in expanding humanitarian, cultural, and spiritual cooperation.

At the conclusion of Metropolitan Sergiy’s visit, participants expressed confidence that the construction of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Church in Vientiane would mark a new stage in Russian-Lao relations and contribute to the continued growth of the Orthodox community in Laos.