On November 4, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrated the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, coinciding with Russia’s National Unity Day. Patriarch Kirill celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin.

Both observances are connected with the events of 1612, when the people's militia led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky prayed before the Kazan Icon before liberating Moscow from Polish intervention forces. Patriarch Kirill emphasized that the intercession of the Mother of God continues to strengthen the Russian people in times of hardship.

Later that day, Patriarch Kirill and President Vladimir Putin laid flowers at the monument to Minin and Pozharsky on Red Square. Major celebrations also took place in Kazan, the historical home of the icon, and in Nizhny Novgorod, where the famous militia originated.

Patriarch of Jerusalem Visits Moscow, Meets Patriarch Kirill and President Putin

His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem visited Moscow this week. On November 5, he prayed at the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow at the Intercession Convent before meeting with Patriarch Kirill.

The two primates discussed relations among the Orthodox Churches, the situation of Christians in the Middle East, and preparations for the 2030 anniversary celebrations of the Baptism of Christ at the Jordan River in Jordan. Patriarch Kirill also expressed condolences following a terrorist attack near an Orthodox church in Jordan that claimed nine lives.

Later that evening, the two patriarchs met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin. Putin emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Russian and Jerusalem Patriarchates and the preservation of the Christian presence in the Middle East.

Patriarch Theophilos thanked the Russian leadership for supporting Christians in the Holy Land and protecting Jerusalem's holy sites. He also expressed the Jerusalem Patriarchate's willingness to support efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine. In recognition of his contribution to strengthening friendship and spiritual ties with Russia, President Putin awarded him the Order of Friendship.

Russian Orthodox Church and African Clergy Discuss Cooperation at Russia–Africa Summit

Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church and African Orthodox clergy took part in a series of events on the sidelines of the Third Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow.

A 16-member delegation representing 11 African countries discussed opportunities to expand church education, Orthodox academic programs, and social initiatives across the continent. The program included a conference chaired by Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa, as well as a discussion on spiritual sovereignty and traditional values.

Addressing the summit, President Putin thanked Madagascar's leader for the registration of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country. He also noted that summit participants had been pleasantly surprised by the religious harmony and coexistence in Russia, despite its ethnic and cultural diversity.

Russian Orthodox Church Marks 80th Anniversary of Its Representation in Lebanon

Lebanon marked the 80th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church's representation in the country. A delegation from the Moscow Patriarchate, led by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Patriarch John X of Antioch.

The celebrations included a joint concert by Russian and Lebanese church choirs at the Balamand Monastery.

Patriarch John highlighted the centuries-old fraternal relations between the two Churches, while Metropolitan Anthony reaffirmed the Russian Orthodox Church's commitment to continuing its support for the faithful of the Antiochian Patriarchate.

Bulgarian Metropolitan Gabriel Hospitalized with Acute Pancreatitis

Bulgarian media reported that Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, a prominent hierarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, has been hospitalized at the Military Medical Academy in Sofia. The 76-year-old metropolitan was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis.

According to a November 4 statement from the office of the Holy Synod, doctors are providing him with all necessary medical care. Earlier reports indicated a significant deterioration in his condition, including an induced coma and life-support assistance.

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has called on the faithful to pray for Metropolitan Gabriel's recovery and a speedy return to health.