JERUSALEM: 29 July, 2024
Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, meets with the leadership of Cana of Galilee

In the biblical city of Саna (modern name Kafr Cana), a business meeting took place between Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and Hegumen Nikon (Golovko), the secretary of the Mission of the Moscow Patriarchate, with the Mayor of the city of Kanna, Mr Iz-Addin Amar, and representatives of the municipality. On behalf of the REM, the meeting was also attended by Archpriest Peter Holodny, representative of ROCOR to the Moscow Patriarchate, Mr Mark Selawry, President of the Fund for Assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and Mr George Williams, Board member of the FfA.

The issue of developing the large REM land plot in Cana, which is located in the center of the city was discussed. It is the site of an ancient spring from which stone vessels were filled with water before Jesus Christ miraculously transformed it into wine during the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee described in the Holy Gospel.

This plot was acquired in 1913 by the Head of the REM, Archimandrite Leonid (Sentsov), and was registered in 1922 in the name of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem through the efforts of Metropolitan Anastassy (Gribanovsky), who in those years was the bishop supervising the affairs of the Mission in Jerusalem. Throughout the 20th century, olives were grown on Russian property in Cana and provided the opportunity for local residents to use water from the source. Recently, the city has been actively developing a pilgrimage and tourism structure. The future of the Russian parcel was discussed at the meeting with the mayor, which was held in a positive spirit and with mutual understanding.