Patras (Patrai), September 22, 2014
The recently appointed ambassador of the Russian Federation to Greece Andrei Maslow with his spouse made a pilgrimage to Patras, reports Romfea.
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras met the guests at the Church of Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called. The hierarch conducted a tour around the ancient and the new Church of Andrew the Apostle, showed the holy apostle’s coffin and the cross that had served as instrument of his execution. Then the visitors were shown the diocesan administration as well as the mayor’s office of Patras.
After the formal reception the ambassador with his spouse visited the Monastery of the Holy Prophet Elias and the Monastery of the Mother of God where they prayed before the revered Icon of the Holy Theotokos, “Care for the Old”. The Monastery’s Abbot, Archimandrite Simeon (Chatzis), according to the custom, offered the guests a monastery meal.
During his visit the Russian diplomat discussed development of relations between the Russian and Greek peoples, who confess the same faith, with the Metropolitan.
The hierarch noted that very many pilgrims from Russia were coming to the city of the First-Called Disciple of Christ, especially following the 20-day-long visit of the Cross of Holy Apostle Andrew to Russia, the Ukraine, and Belarus.
Before his departure, Andrei Maslov promised to visit these places again soon in order to familiarize himself with other shrines of this region.
