Russian Orthodox Delegation Participates in Khamenei Memorial Events in Iran

TEHRAN — Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church participated in a series of memorial and interfaith events in Iran and Iraq honoring Ayatollah Imam Seyyed Ali Khamenei from July 3-9, 2026, according to the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR).

With the blessing of Patr. Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and at the invitation of the Ayatollah's Administration, the Russian Orthodox delegation included Bp. Savvaty of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan and Hieromonk Gregory (Matrusov), head of the DECR Expert Council for Interaction with the Islamic World. Their participation came amid broader efforts by Russian Orthodox representatives to engage in religious dialogue with Muslim communities and organizations.

The delegation attended a memorial ceremony in Tehran on July 3 alongside political and religious representatives from various countries. That same day, Bp. Savvaty participated in an interfaith gathering organized by Hojat-ul-Islam Mohammad Mahdi Imanipur, chairman of Iran’s Organization for Culture and Islamic Relations, where the two exchanged welcoming remarks.

On July 4, the Russian Orthodox representatives joined an international conference dedicated to Khamenei that brought together participants from 45 countries, including Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Yemen, Turkey, and Iraq. The conference was attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

During the memorial events, Hieromonk Matrusov spoke about Khamenei’s life in religious terms. “He dedicated his entire life to God and then to the service of the Iranian people,” Matrusov said, adding, “His entire life was one of devotion and self-sacrifice for God and the people.”

The Russian Orthodox representatives also visited St. Sarkis Cathedral in Tehran, the cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church, where they met with clergy, members of Iran’s Parliament, and representatives of the Armenian community. On July 6, Bp. Savvaty and Hieromonk Matrusov participated in the public farewell ceremony for Khamenei.

Matrusov’s participation followed his earlier involvement in the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, which held meetings in Kazan focused on religious dialogue, cultural cooperation, and the role of traditional religious communities in preserving spiritual heritage. In May, he took part in sessions attended by Russian Orthodox hierarchs, Muslim leaders, government representatives, and international religious figures.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an Iranian singer was sentenced to 74 lashes over a hijab violation.