The annual Joint Working Commission for Bilateral Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church is being held from July 23 to 26, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing together representatives of both Churches for dialogue, theological reflection, and the continued strengthening of their long standing relationship.
Hosted by the Cathedral of St. Mary the Theotokos of the Orthodox Syrian Church, Malaysia, the Commission provides an important forum for theological exchanges, pastoral cooperation, and the advancement of shared initiatives in Christian witness, ecumenical engagement, and mutual support between the two Churches.
The delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church is led by His Grace Bishop Kirill of Sergiyev Posad and Dmitrov, Co-Chairperson of the Joint Working Commission for Bilateral Relations. Accompanying him are:
- Hieromonk Fr. Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) for Inter-Christian Affairs and Secretary of the Joint Working Group;
- Hieromonk Fr. Mark (Akhmatkhanov), Member of the Joint Working Group and representative of the DECR;
- Hieromonk Job Urum, Secretary to Bishop Kirill.
Representing the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church are:
- His Eminence Zachariah Mar Nicholovos, Metropolitan of the Northeast American Diocese and Co-Chairperson of the Joint Working Commission;
- His Eminence Youhanon Mar Demetrios, Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese and President of the Department of Ecumenical Relations, serving as Observer to the Commission;
- His Eminence Abraham Mar Stephanos, Metropolitan of the Diocese of the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa, and Member of the Joint Working Commission;
- Mr. Jacob Mathew, Member of the Working Committee of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and Member of the Joint Working Commission;
- Rev. Fr. Aswin Zeferin Fernandes, Secretary of the Joint Working Commission and Secretary of the Department of Ecumenical Relations of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
As part of the gathering, members of the Joint Working Commission will participate in the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 26, at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Theotokos, at the invitation of Very Rev. Philip Thomas Chor Episcopos, Vicar of the Cathedral . A formal reception will follow the Divine Liturgy, hosted by the Cathedral, with representatives of the Russian Embassy in Malaysia and officials from the Malaysian Prime Minister's Department expected to attend.
The Joint Working Commission continues to serve as an important platform for fostering closer relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, promoting mutual understanding, theological collaboration, and a shared witness to the Orthodox Christian faith in an increasingly interconnected world.