Patriarch of Antioch Gives Blessing for Russian Parish in Abu Dhabi
Source: mospat.ru
ABU DHABI — The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church held its first meeting of 2026 on March 12 at the Patriarchal and Synodal residence in Moscow's Danilov Monastery, presided over by Patriarch Kirill.
Key decisions included establishing a new Russian Orthodox parish in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. According to the Orthodox Times, the move followed appeals from local Russian-speaking parishioners and formal consent from Patr. John X of Antioch in a January 17 letter, allowing the parish under Antioch's jurisdiction and permitting church construction. Pastoral oversight was assigned to Archimandrite Alexander (Zarkeshev), rector of the Church of the Holy Apostle Philip in Sharjah.
The Synod appointed Metr. Mark of Ryazan and Mikhailov as the new Metropolitan of Korsun and Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe. He retains temporary oversight of the Budapest–Hungary Diocese while being released from Ryazan. Metr. Nestor was relieved of his exarchate and diocesan roles, reassigned as Bishop of Stupino and vicar.
Other actions included adding Serbian saints Nikodim (Milas) and Righteous Anna to the Russian calendar, reviewing Metr. Anthony of Volokolamsk's February visit to Israel, relieving Archim. Filaret (Bulekov) as deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, and reassigning several clergy, including transfers to Argentina, South America, and the Polish Orthodox Church.
The meeting addressed external relations and administrative matters amid ongoing global church developments.
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