03/06/2026
🇪🇹🇷🇺 President Taye Atske Selassie Receives Russian Orthodox Delegation in Ecclesiastical and Bilateral Talks
Addis Ababa, June 3, 2026 (FMC) — President Taye Atske Selassie on Tuesday received Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church, at the National Palace in Addis Ababa.
During the meeting, Metropolitan Anthony congratulated Ethiopia on the successful conduct of its recent general election, describing the process as peaceful, free, and stable.
He underscored the deep historical and spiritual links between Ethiopia and Russia, noting that relations between the two countries are rooted in their shared Christian heritage. He also highlighted long-standing educational and ecclesiastical exchanges, including the training of Ethiopian clergy and students at Russian Orthodox theological institutions over several decades.
Metropolitan Anthony expressed confidence that cooperation between the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Russian Orthodox Church would continue to strengthen broader relations between the two countries.
The delegation leader also noted that the visit was undertaken with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and at the invitation of the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
For his part, the President underscored the longstanding historical relationship between Ethiopia and Russia and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation across various fields.
The two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of deepening ecclesiastical engagement between the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, alongside broader bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and Russia.
Earlier in the day, Metropolitan Anthony arrived in Addis Ababa, where he visited Holy Trinity Cathedral and was received by senior clergy, including Archbishop Philippos of Southern Omo, Co-Chair of the Commission for Dialogue between the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as representatives of the Ethiopian Patriarchate.
During his three-day visit, he is expected to hold further meetings with Patriarch Abune Mathias, members of the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, government officials, and members of the Russian community in Ethiopia.
©FBC