People converging on Moscow for election of Patriarch

Moscow, January 21, (Interfax) – Delegates start coming to the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church which is to elect a new Patriarch, the Forum’s organizational committee has told Interfax-Religion.

According to the recent information, 711 people representing 64 countries of the world are going to participate in the work of the Local Council, which is to be held on January 27-29.

One of the last Commission sessions will be held on January 22, Thursday, the Synod will meet in Moscow next day - its members will sum up and preparatory work for the Bishops’ and Local Councils.

According to the interviewee of the agency, now they are completing final lists of delegates basing on the documents received from dioceses and reserving places for guests.

“Members of the pre-council commission focus on creating all necessary conditions for the delegates, they should be well-accommodated, fed and to feel at ease in Moscow as for many of them it will be their first visit to the Russian capital,” the Committee official said.

He also reminded that an extensive program is in store for the guests: after Council work, they can visit shrines of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Laura, the Donskoy Monastery and other popular sites for pilgrims.