Alexy II thanks U.S. ambassador for supporting American Orthodox Church in Moscow

04 March 2008, 15:03

Moscow, March 4, Interfax - Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II has thanked U.S. Ambassador William J. Burns for assistance to the St. Catherine's Parish, where the Orthodox Church in America has its Moscow representation.

The meeting between Alexy II and Burns was held at the Patriarch's residence in Chisty Pereulok on Tuesday. The ambassador is completing his stay in Russia as the U.S. official representative and is leaving for Washington.

The Patriarch congratulated Burns on his new appointment and expressed his hope that the experience gained by the diplomat in Russia will help him in new job, the Moscow Patriarchate press service reports.

The ambassador has always visited the church during the memorial service for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks and at the celebration of life of the Great Martyr St. Catherine, Alexy II said.

Burns thanked the Patriarch for the kind attitude, adding that cooperation with the Russian Orthodox Church has always been an important part of his job as U.S. Ambassador to Russia.

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