The agenda of the patriarch’s visit includes attending this exhibition, the Sourozh Diocese uniting the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the UK and Ireland told Interfax-Religion.
The visit of Patriarch Kirill will take place on October 15-18, and coincide with the 300th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church’s presence in the UK.
“Opening of a parish of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Russian Embassy in 1716 became a starting point of development of the Russian Orthodox Christianity in England. Out of a small church in the embassy, the Russian Church spread its presence all over the territory of the British Isles,” the diocese said.
The main event of the visit will be consecration of the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in London following a large-scale reconstruction on October 16. The representatives of the local Orthodox Churches are expected to participate in the sacred service.
On the day of the arrival, the patriarch will visit the premises on 32 Welbeck Street, where the Russian Orthodox Christian parish was located for over 100 years, and deliver a prayer there. He will head the night service in the London cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia on the same day.
Patriarch Kirill will also consecrate a new tombstone on the grave of Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh, who made a significant contribution to establishment of the Russian community in the middle of 20th century and invested many efforts in development of the Sourozh Diocese formed in 1962.
Before he leaves, the patriarch will visit the Lambeth Palace and the Buckingham Palace, where he will meet the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Queen Elizabeth II, respectively, the diocese said.
