Japanese Orthodox Church Delegation to Attend Kremlin Divine Service

by RIA NOVOSTI

MOSCOW, SEPTEMBER 6, 2003 -- Metropolitan Daniel (Nushiro) of Tokyo and All Japan is to attend a patriarchic divine service in the Kremlin, as well as yet another service near a monument to prince St. Daniel of Moscow, here today.

A Japanese Orthodox Church delegation headed by Metropolitan Daniel arrived in Moscow on September 4, the Moscow patriarchy told RIA Novosti. Metropolitan Daniel visited the cathedral of Christ the Saviour on September 5.

Muscovites are celebrating the Moscow Day on September 6; for its own part, the Russian Orthodox Church is marking yet another anniversary of transferring the holy relics of St. Peter, metropolitan of Moscow, to the Kremlin's newly-built cathedral of the Assumption in 1479. These festivities have also coincided with the 700th death anniversary of Prince St. Daniel of Moscow. By the way, Metropolitan Daniel (Nushiro) of Tokyo received his new name in monkhood.

Symbolically enough, Metropolitan Daniel has turned 65 today.

His visit to Russia will last until September 11. Metropolitan Daniel will perform a divine liturgy at a Moscow Church on September 7.

Metropolitan Daniel will supervise festivities at Moscow's Sreteniye (Intercession) monastery, that is, on Intercession Day. After that, he will visit the Trinity -- St. Sergius Laura, Sofrino and Moscow's Novospassky monastery.