On November 10, 2021, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Metropolitan Anthony of Korsun and Western Europe, head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for Foreign Institutions, paid a brief working visit to Antalya (Turkey).
The hierarch visited the premises rented by the local parish of the Moscow Patriarchate and prayed during the morning service. After the prayer service and memorial service, Metropolitan Anthony met with members of the parish community. His Eminence communicated with the parishioners and gave them the Primatial blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
The bishop noted that the parish in Antalya is one of the youngest foreign institutions of the Moscow Patriarchate. Created for the purpose of pastoral care of a large Russian-speaking flock in southern Turkey in a situation when the Patriarchate of Constantinople declined to communicate with schismatics, the newly formed parish in a short time became a large and friendly family. The hierarch told the parishioners in detail about the causes and consequences of the anti-canonical actions of Constantinople in Ukraine, and also thanked the flock for their loyalty to the Russian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Anthony warmly welcomed the newly appointed rector of the parish, Priest Alexy Golovin, who had completed his ministry in Thailand the day before, and wished His Reverence God's help in his labors. Then Vladyka answered numerous questions from the parishioners.
In conclusion, the members of the parish community asked Metropolitan Anthony to convey to His Holiness gratitude for the active paternal care of the numerous Russian-speaking flock residing in Turkey, and assurances of their prayers for His Holiness.
The meeting was also attended by Priest Georgy Sergeyev, responsible for the care of the Russian-speaking flock in Turkey, Deacon Sergiy Kalashnikov, an employee of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for Foreign Institutions, and Egor Skopenko, executive director of the Foundation for the Support of Christian Culture and Heritage.
Photo: http://ioannpr.ru/