Russian Orthodox programme in Vatican point to warming relations

(May 7, 2010) In what is seen as warming relations between the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches, a programme on Russian culture and spirituality is being organized in the Vatican later this month. Titled, “Russian Culture and Spirituality Days in the Vatican”, the programme will be held May 19-20. At the end of the two-day programme, a concert will be offered to Pope Benedict by Orthodox Patriarch Kirill I. The programme was released at a press conference in the Vatican on Friday. The events are being promoted by the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate of Moscow along with the Vatican’s Pontifical Councils for Christian Unity and for Culture. The programme also includes a photographic exhibition on the Russian Orthodox Church today and a symposium on the common cultural heritage of the east and west today from the perspective of the two Churches. Metropolitan Hilarion di Volokolamsk, in charge of Moscow patriarchate’s foreign relations department, will lead the Russian Orthodox delegation.