Patriarch Kirill arrived in Istanbul to meet with patriarch of Constantinople

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill has arrived in Istanbul to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and consecrate the Russian Church in Bosporus. This first foreign visit by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church opens a series of friendly visits to the world’s 15 heads of Orthodox churches. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is ranked as first among equals. Until 15th century present-day Istanbul was named Constantinople and for 11 centuries stayed the capital of Christian empire. It was from this empire that Russian adopted Christianity more than a thousand years ago. During his three-day visit Patriarch Kirill will conduct a joint service with Patriarch Bartholomew, consecrate a church on the compound of the Russian consulate’s country residence and hold meetings with compatriots and government and spiritual leaders of Turkey.

Source:The Voice of Russia