Patriarch of Moscow to visit Austria

(POI) - "Inspired by ecumenism": this will be the inspiration behind the journey that the patriarch of Moscow, Alexius II, will make in Austria, from 20 to 23 December. This was stated by the Russian Orthodox Bishop of Vienna, Hilarion (Alfejew). During the presentation of the schedule of the Patriarch's visit, the bishop spoke of the "great interest" aroused by the event even in Russia.

Many Russian bishops will be in the Patriarch's retinue. The ecumenical repercussions of Alexius II's visit include the Patriarch's visit to the abbey of Klosterneuburg on December 21st and his attendance of an Advent concert in the Basilica, along with all the Christian delegates that at the end will meet the Patriarch. The delegates of the other Orthodox Churches in Austria too will take part in the celebrations due to take place in Vienna and Klosterneuburg: they include the metropolitan bishop, Michael Staikos, the Romanian Orthodox metropolitan bishop of Germany and Central Europe, Serafiim (Joanta), and the vicar general of the Romanian Orthodox Church, Nicolae Dura.

Other guests have confirmed they will be there, and they include the primate of Hungary, card. Peter Erdö, who will be there in his capacity as the President of the Council of European Bishops Conferences (CCEE), and the Anglican bishop of Gibraltar and Europe, Geoffrey Rowell.