Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
9 Feb 08: Trip to South America continues – Day 2 – 5th February 2008
The next day Archbishop Hilarion, Fr. Michael, Fr. Alexei and other representatives of the Russian Orthodox community went to meet with the ambassador of the Russian Federation in sth_america_day02- – His Excellency, Yuri Anatolievich Filatov.
The embassy of the Russian Federation is located in one of the wealthier suburbs of Santiago. Though grand and new on the outside the embassy moreover sparkles with the Russian spirit on the inside.
One of the staff of the embassy, Roman Zaureyevich, met the archbishop and his suite of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church and accompanied them to a large assembly room where they were to meet with the ambassador.
His Excellency the ambassador entered the hall soon after and acquainted himself with Vladyka, Fr Michael, Fr Alexei and the other members of the group.
In his address His Excellency Mr Filatov accorded His Grace a warm welcome and commented that the restored unity of the Russian Orthodox Church was an important event in the life of all of the Russian people. He then said a few words about the life of the Russian community in sth_america_day02- and about his contact with the Orthodox compatriots in the country. An important event was held last year, through the initiative of the embassy, which organised the first Conference of Russian Compatriots in sth_america_day02-.
In his reply Vladyka thanked His Excellency for his words of welcome and informed him of the recent events in the life of the whole Russian Church and in particular about the reasons for his visit to sth_america_day02- and other countries of South America.
Having thus become acquainted with the situation of the Russian Orthodox community in sth_america_day02- His Excellency gave an undertaking to assist where possible. Further, His Excellency announced the future visit to South America of the choir of the Sretensky Monastery and a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church. He spoke with the archbishop and the members of his group about other contemporary issues.
Vladyka Hilarion passed on greetings from His Excellency the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Australia, A.V. Blokhin, and presented Mr Filatov with a special medal, struck on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the landing of the first Russian ship Neva, which was issued by the Russian Historical Society of the Australian diocese with the assistance of the embassy of the Russian Federation in Australia.
Next Vladyka Hilarion, Fr Michael, Fr Alexei, Roberto Leon and Dr Elizabeth Yurlow visited the Russian cemetery in order to serve a panikhida at the grave of the ever-memorable Archbishop Leonty (Filippovich + 2.07.1971), the first ruling bishop of the Diocese of sth_america_day02- of ROCOR and a close friend of St John, bishop of Shanghai.
After the memorial service Vladyka went around the cemetery and prayerfully remembered all of his acquaintances of the clergy and monastics passed from this life of the sth_america_day02-an diocese.
Father Alexei invited everyone to lunch at the restaurant of his friend, an Orthodox Arab, where with deep respect and attentiveness a sumptuous lunch was offered.
Following the meal the sth_america_day02-an friends took their guests on a tour of the Andes and conversed extensively about their needs and hopes for the future. Vladyka Hilarion and Father Michael replied to their questions and inspired them with hope for the improvement of the religious situation.
