Patriarch of Jerusalem prays at Relics of Saint Matrona of Moscow

Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem visited the Intercession Stavropegial Convent in Moscow on November 5, 2026, as part of his official visit to Russia.

The Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, and other clergy.

During his visit, Patriarch Theophilos celebrated a prayer service before the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow and venerated the shrine.

Welcoming the Patriarch, Abbess Theophania expressed her joy at receiving him and noted that the convent would commemorate the 145th anniversary of Saint Matrona’s birth on November 22, a date that also marks Patriarch Theophilos’ enthronement anniversary.

As a token of remembrance, she presented him with an icon of Saint Matrona, prayer beads, and a silver censer.

In his response, Patriarch Theophilos expressed his deep appreciation for the visit, recalling that he had previously visited the convent and continued to keep an icon of Saint Matrona in his cell.

“For me personally, this is a very moving moment,” he said, describing his particular devotion to the saint.

The Patriarch also emphasized the spiritual…