Conference of Russian Orthodox Hierarchs Abroad Held in London

A conference of Russian Orthodox hierarchs serving outside the canonical territory of the Moscow Patriarchate involving diocesan and auxiliary hierarchs of both dioceses directly under the Patriarchate and under the autonomous Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) as well as Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk has been held in London, England. Hierarchs representing dioceses in North America, Oceania, and Western Europe were present for the conference.

In addition to concelebrating together the gathered hierarchs discussed issues relating to joint pastoral work between the various dioceses (previously separated by the split between the Russian Orthodox Church in the USSR and the ROCOR), 'internal missionary work' relating to the Belorussian/Russian/Ukrainian Diasporas, 'external' missionary work amongst the non-Orthodox peoples of the West, differences in liturgical practice, and variations in how converts are received into the Russian Orthodox Church outside the former USSR.

A summary of the conference, which also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the organization of the patriarchal Russian Orthodox diocese in the United Kingdom, can be found here.

Archbishop Elisey Visits Ireland

Archbishop Elisey (Ganaba) of Sourozh and the patriarchal Russian Orthodox Church in the British Isles has visited Dublin, Ireland, to negotiate the transfer of the property currently in use by the city's Russian Orthodox parish from the ownership of the Anglican Church in Ireland to the parish. During his visit to Ireland Archbishop Elisha celebrated the divine services with Dublin's Church of Sts. Peter and Paul as well as with Cork's Church of the Holy Trinity Church. More here.

Metropolitan Hilarion Visits Cathedral of Sourozh Diocese

As part of his visit to the UK Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk visited the Cathedral of the Dormition in London, which serves as the seat of the patriarchal Russian Orthodox diocese of the British Isles. During the visit he met with Archbishops Elisha (Ganaba) of Sourozh and Anatoliy (Kuznetsov) of Kerch as well as clergy and faithful of the cathedral parish. More here.

Moldovan Orthodox Parish in London

Efforts are underway to establish a Romanian-speaking parish in London under the Diocese of Sourozh for immigrants from Moldova. More here.