Visit of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill in Smolensk region

The Holiest Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill visited Smolensk region. Before his election as Patriarch wasmetropolitan Kirill a ruling bishop of Smolensk and Kaliningrad diocese over the 1984 to 2009 period.  

On railway station Smolensk Primate of the Orthodox Church of Russia was met by Governor of Smolensk region Alexey Ostrovskiy, Chairman of Smolensk regional Duma Anatoliy Mishnev, Main federal controller in Smolensk region Olga Okuneva, Bishop of Smolensk and Vyazma Panteleimon.

 «I arrived with very good spirits, – noted Patriarch Kirill in his communication with journalists. – Already coming near to Smolensk and looking through the window on such a habitual for me landscape of Smolensk region I felt joy on my heart. I stayed in Smolensk almost 25 years long and many facts of my life were related with it. There were very hard periods but at the same time I felt a lot of joy and emotional satisfaction. Smolensk church traveled over large and very important distance for these years. And today I know that Smolensk eparchy is a prosper eparchy and approaches to dominating eparchies of the Russian Orthodox Church. And with my whole heart wish further prosperity to Smolensk region that is so congenial for me and also to natives of Smolensk region, to people which are so near to my heart. God bless you! Wish health and emotional comfort!».

«I meetthe Holiest Patriarch in the capacity of the Head of the region at the first time, – Aleksey Ostrovskiy accentuated. – Today is the very happy Day for me because I meet Patriarch on his dear land as Governor of the region. I saw eyes of the Holiest when he came down platform of Smolensk railway station they lighted with pleasure. I am sure, coming in Smolensk he made all us very happy».