As part of an official visit to Lebanon, carried out with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church, held a series of meetings with key political and religious leaders in the country.

One of the central events of the visit was a meeting in Beirut with the President of the Lebanese Republic, Joseph Aoun. During the discussion, Metropolitan Anthony conveyed Patriarch Kirill’s heartfelt greetings and well wishes, expressing hope for divine guidance in the president’s responsibilities. The meeting also highlighted the primary purpose of the visit: the consecration of a newly built Orthodox church in Zahle, dedicated to the icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy."

Metropolitan Anthony emphasized that the church, constructed in traditional Russian architectural style, stands as a powerful symbol of friendship between the peoples of Russia and Lebanon. President Aoun welcomed the initiative, underscoring the significance of the event for Lebanon’s Christian community. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to religious freedom, as enshrined in its constitution, and stated that this freedom is actively upheld in society. As a token of respect, Metropolitan Anthony presented the president with a decorative Easter egg.

Later the same day, Metropolitan Anthony visited Bkerke for a formal meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros al-Rahi. The Russian Orthodox delegation included senior clergy and diplomats, among them Russia’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov.

The church leaders discussed the future of inter-Christian dialogue, the challenges facing Middle Eastern Christians, and potential avenues for closer cooperation. Metropolitan Anthony conveyed Patriarch Kirill’s greetings and shared updates on the situation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine and the Baltic states.

Patriarch Bechara welcomed the completion of the Zahle church, noting its significance beyond the Orthodox community. He emphasized that peaceful coexistence among religious groups forms the foundation of Lebanon’s rich spiritual culture.

The visit underscores the growing ties between Eastern Christian communities and the role of faith-based diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding in the region.