Inter-Orthodox Relations: Communion of the Russian Church and Church of Greecein 1991-2008 (Based on Materials from the Archive of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece)

Abstract

The article analyzes the communion between the Russian Church and the Church of Greece during the important historical period of Patriarch Alexy II in 1991-2008 based on the archive of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece. The archive of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, unknown to most researchers, is a valuable source of church history of the Modern Greek state and contains unique information that is difficult to find in other archives, which have been lost or destroyed. The period considered is of paramount importance both due to the revival of Christianity in Russia, and because of the new era in relations between the Russian Church and local Orthodox churches, and specifically the Church of Greece as discussed in the article, after the "dark" period. After 1991, the Russian Church faced a challenging task of forming and reforming its internal part and activities in all structures and layers of society. The Church of Greece, in turn, as a sister Church, when needed, without hesitation, provided spiritual and material support in this difficult mission of the Russian Church. The written correspondence of the Russian Church and Church of Greece is analyzed in order to form a picture of the life and activity of the Russian Church and the development of relations between the two churches during this period. The article reports on the glorious past of the Russian Church, on the long-lasting relationship of love, solidarity, and spiritual interpenetration with the Church of Greece, on their favorable spiritual prospects and activities aimed at revival. In conclusion, the strength of the bonds of the two churches, as well as their centuries-old coexistence are confirmed.