Metropolitan Nektarios brings Saint Spyridon relics to Moscow

Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos, and Diapontia Islands traveled to Moscow to deliver the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimithous for public veneration. The visit, which took place in August 2026, was conducted following an invitation from Patriarch Kirill and with official permission from the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

During the visit, Metropolitan Nektarios was awarded the Order of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, Second Class, by Patriarch Kirill. The decoration recognizes his contribution to strengthening ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church of Greece. This diplomatic religious gesture occurs amidst ongoing tensions between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, following Moscow's 2019 decision to suspend communion with the Church of Greece after its recognition of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine.