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Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk presents a state award to the DECR secretary for inter-Orthodox relations

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk presents a state award to the DECR secretary for inter-Orthodox relations
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10 January 2022 year 13:49

On January 10, 2022, Metropolitan Hilarion, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR), presented a state award to Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, DECR secretary for inter-Orthodox relations.

In accordance with the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk was awarded the Medal of the Order “For Services to the Motherland,” 2nd Class, “for considerable contribution to the development of international and inter-confessional relations and longstanding diligent work.”

Metropolitan Hilarion addressed Archpriest Igor, saying in particular:

“The work at the Department is above all else intended for defending the interests of the Church, which lives on earth rather than in heaven. Often enough, the interests of the Church and the state are intertwined, especially in the matters relative to international activity. That is why, while protecting the sacred borders of our Church we are serving not only God, but our earthly Motherlands, too.

“I am happy that the endeavours of the leading staff members of the Department for External Church Relations find support of our country's top leadership and that the President of the Russian Federation has duly appreciated your work being done for the good of holy Orthodoxy.

“I present this award to you with gratitude for your work, wishing you good health and spiritual and physical strength. May your service to the good of our Church and our Fatherland continue for many years.”

In his turn, Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk thanked the DECR chairman for the award and said: “Indeed, I have made it my life’s goal to devote myself to the Church, and I am happy to know that while serving the Church I can contribute to the success of our Fatherland. I will do my utmost to continue this service under your leadership following your example.”

DECR Communication Service/Patriarchia.ru

Version: Russian