Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill arrived in Donetsk from Kyiv on Wednesday as part of his ten-day pastoral visit to Ukraine, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
From the local airport, the patriarch headed for the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, where he was to offer a short prayer. He was also expected to meet local believers and members of the clergy.
A poster entitled "Many Years to Blessed Patriarch Kirill" has been hung near the entrance to the cathedral.
After the patriarch's motorcade appeared, believers, to the ringing of bells, released green balloons with the patriarch's monogram.
When the patriarch passed through the crowd, believers waved small green flags: Green is the traditional color of the Moscow throne of the patriarch.
An Interfax-Religion reporter said that the whole city was decorated with colorful posters entitled "Donetsk Welcomes Patriarch Kirill."
On July 30, Patriarch Kirill is planning to deliver a divine liturgy at Sviatohirsk Assumption Monastery, 240 kilometers from Donetsk.
