3 October 2018 to begin a visit of the Archbishop of Vienna and Budapest Anthony in the Republic of South Africa, reports patriarhiei. The Cape town airport, the head of the Administration for Moscow Patriarchate’s institutions abroad were met by a representative of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Cape town, as well as Chairman of the coordinating Council of Russian compatriots in South Africa Paul Klimachev and the rector of the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Johannesburg, priest Daniel Lugovoi.
The evening of the same day a meeting was held of Archbishop Anthony with the Consul General of Russia in Cape town by R. E. Habarovym, during which they discussed many issues of mutual interest, including the history and current situation of the Russian-speaking community in the South African continent and possible ways of its development in the future.
Thursday 4 October, Archbishop Anthony celebrated the Requiem service at the naval cemetery of Simon’s town. The Archpastor offered a prayer for Russian sailors, who found the last refuge in the South of the African continent. From General Consulate of the Russian Federation and the Association of compatriots to the graves of wreaths were laid.
The same day Archbishop Anthony attended a concert of the choir of Holy Trinity Alexander-Svirsky monastery and addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. Among the invited guests were representatives of political, business circles of South Africa and the Russian-speaking Diaspora.
On 5 October a meeting was held with Archbishop Anthony Archbishop of the Cape of Good Hope Sergius (Patriarchate of Alexandria). During the meeting, the sides discussed issues related to the presence of the Orthodox Church in Cape town and the pastoral care of Russian-speaking community. The archpastors also discussed issues on the agenda of inter-Orthodox relations. The meeting was attended by the rector of the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Johannesburg, priest Daniel Lugovoy, rector of the Cathedral of St. George the victorious in Cape town Archpriest Nikolai Hilarides, an employee of the Department of Moscow Patriarchate for foreign institutions of deacon Sergei Kalashnikov.
At the end of the meeting, accompanied by Archbishop Sergy Archbishop Anthony visited the Church of saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene, where he made a short prayer service.
On Saturday 6th October Church delegation flew to Johannesburg to participate in the festive celebrations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Russian parish in South Africa, the website of Sergius Church in Johannesburg.