Alexy II gives Estonian Orthodox nunnery icon of Matryona Moskovskaya

During his visit to Estonia, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II visited the Pyukhtitsky Holy Assumption nunnery in the north-east of the republic.

The patriarch gave the nunnery a communion vessel and a big icon of Matryona Moskovskaya with a part of the saint's hallows, arch-priest Leonty Morozkin, press secretary of Metropolitan of Tallinn and All Estonia Kornily told journalists.

Also, the Patriarch gave the nunnery's prioress mother Varvara a cross with a picture of St. Serafim Sarovsky and an order of St. Innokenty for her missionary activities.

Representatives of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchy also received church awards.

After fulfilling the communion service, Alexy II returned to Tallinn where on Friday evening he is to meet head of the Estonian state Arnold Ruutel at the Kadriorg Palace, Morozkin said. The Estonian President will award the Patriarch with the Mariamaa Cross order of the first class, the republic's supreme state award.

Alexy II is a native of Estonia.