The Patriarch walked around London and got caught in the rain

Patriarch capital and all Russia Kirill on the first day of the week Hiking in the centre of London with no escort protection.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church was dressed in a simple monk's robe, but he was out and asked for blessings, told news Agency the press-Secretary of the Patriarch, the priest of Alexander Volkov.
"Tonight, the Patriarch made a walk around the centre of London. He walked on foot from Westminster Abbey along the Thames embankment to the tower of London. He walked about 6 miles. During the walk he was caught in the rain, for this reason He was able to feel the diversity of London weather ", Greg said Volkov. The Patriarch was accompanied by head of the Department for external Church relations Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev), Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh (Ganaba)." The three of them walked without escort, calmly. Someone approached him During a walk, said Hello, asked for a blessing. Some recognized him on the street " ? said Volkov." Impressions are good: first, the Patriarch loves Hiking, secondly, with great interest looked at the planning. He for several years was not in London, and during this period of time the town changed a little, and it was interesting to see what changes were made in the center of the city, " ? added the spokesman. Remember, the visit of Patriarch Kirill on October 15-18 in Britain dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Russian Church's presence in the British Isles. During the visit ? meeting the Primate of the ROC with the Queen of great Britain Elizabeth the Second. This news caused a critical reaction of the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom. For example, the Head of the diplomatic mission of Ukraine Natalia Galibarenko said that Patriarch Kirill ? "former KGB agent openly supporting Russian aggression" and " mouthpiece of the Kremlin ". On Sunday the Patriarch Metropolitan and all Russia led the divine service in the largest Russian temple of London ? the assumption Cathedral of the diocese of Sourozh of the Russian Orthodox Church. He also made a prayer in the house 32 Welbeck street in London, where in 1813 to 1920 housed the Russian Orthodox Church.


sections: Politics