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Metropolitan Hilarion with Pope Francisrisu.org.ua - Pope Francis met on November 12 with Metropolitan Hilarion of Volkkolamsk, the top ecumenical official of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Vatican did not issue any formal statement about the Pope’s discussions with Metropolitan Hilarion. Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations informed that they discussed different aspects of Orthodox-Catholic relations and the present situation of Christians in the Middle East. Pope Francis and Metropolitan Hilarion noted the necessity of consolidated actions of Christian Churches for protection of Christians in Syria where armed conflict has not abated.

Metropolitan Hilarion and Pope Francis noted that upholding of traditional family values, which are being revised by the adherents of secular ideology, was an important aspect of cooperation between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Holy See.

At the end of the audience, Metropolitan Hilarion introduced members of the delegation that accompany him and presented Pope Francis with a pectoral cross made in the Moscow Patriarchate’s workshops and the first volume of his book ‘Orthodoxy’ in the Italian language. Pope Frances presented Metropolitan Hilarion and members of the delegation with a medal coined in honour of the first year of his pontificate.

Tuesday's meeting coincides with a similar session in Moscow between the Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal Angelo Scola, and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.

Catholic World News

Forum 18 News

04 December 2022

Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)