On the participation of Ambassador of Russia to Israel in the patronal feast of the Metochion of Saints Peter and Righteous Tabitha in Jaffa

On May 11, at the invitation of the Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeev), Ambassador of Russia to Israel Anatoly Viktorov and his spouse took part in the patronal feast of the Mission’s Metochion of Saints Apostle Peter and Righteous Tabitha in Jaffa.

With the blessing of the Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem, the Divine Liturgy in memory of Saint Righteous Tabitha of Joppa was led by Archbishop Damaskin of Joppa. His Eminence was assisted by the Head of the Mission Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeev), Archimandrite Bartholomew (Jerusalem Patriarchate), the key keeper of the Metochion of the holy Apostle Peter and the righteous Tabitha in Jaffa Archpriest Nikolai Zhdanov and the clergy of the Mission.

After the service, a religious procession was held to the tomb of the righteous Tabitha, where the Gospel and the prayer to the saint were read.

During his address at the subsequent dinner, Anatoly Viktorov expressed gratitude to His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of the Holy City of Jerusalem for his high assessment of the existing level of church-diplomatic cooperation between Russia and the Jerusalem Patriarchate, as well as the support he provides to Russian pilgrimage, cultural and spiritual presence in the Holy Land. Emphasized that in the context of strong centuries-old ties, the Russian state and the Russian Orthodox Church continue to support Theophilos III, specifically in his invaluable efforts to preserve the unity of World Orthodoxy. Called for strengthening mutual understanding between all Orthodox peoples.

According to New Testament tradition, Saint Tabitha was a Christian from Joppa (now Jaffa), known for her hard work and charity. After the miracle of the resurrection of the deceased righteous Tabitha by the Apostle Peter, many residents of Joppa believed in Christ.