His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, 118th Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, accompanied by a papal delegation, was received by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyayev.
During the meeting, Pope Tawadros spoke of the great heritage of spirituality and monastic tradition within the Russian Orthodox Church and commented on its contemporary role and influence.
He also called for a greater working relationship between the two churches: "Collaboration between our Churches will be of great value to our people, both in Egypt and Russia, and a symbol of proactive unity to the whole world."
The two Churches heads discussed various matters including contemporary social life, pastoral care, education and issues of morality, while also touching on the current events affecting both Egypt and Russia.
During his stay, Pope Tawadros will visit a number of significant Russian Orthodox churches and monasteries while also undertaking various official and pastoral engagements with the Coptic faithful.