Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia Held a Number of Official Meetings in the Capital of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

On June 10, 2026, as part of his working visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia, Metropolitan Sergiy of Singapore and Southeast Asia, held a series of meetings with senior representatives of the country’s government authorities.

At the National Assembly of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Patriarchal Exarch met with Vice-president of the country’s legislative body, Ms. Sounthone Xayachak. During the discussion, the parties considered issues related to the further development of the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Laos, as well as the implementation of the project to build an Orthodox church dedicated to the Holy Right-Believing Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky in Vientiane. Particular attention was given to matters concerning the formal transfer of the land plot allocated for the church’s construction.

Later that day, Metropolitan Sergiy met with Mr. Bounthavy Phonethasin, Head of the Department of Religious Affairs of the Lao Front for National Construction. The parties discussed current issues of cooperation between the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia and the state authorities of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the religious sphere, as well as prospects for the further development of the Russian Orthodox parish in Vientiane. During the meeting, both sides expressed their mutual interest in continuing constructive cooperation aimed at ensuring favorable conditions for the spiritual care of Orthodox believers residing in the country.

A separate meeting was held with the Mayor of the Lao capital, Mr. Sililatthongsin Thongpheng. The main topic of the discussion was the construction of the Orthodox church in Vientiane. The participants reviewed in detail practical issues related to completing the procedures for the transfer of the land plot and preparations for the commencement of the design work. The participants noted the significance of the project for strengthening humanitarian, spiritual, and cultural ties between the peoples of Russia and Laos.

Participating in the meetings alongside the Patriarchal Exarch were Sergey Vladimirovich Zhestky, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, members of the Russian diplomatic mission, and clergy of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Southeast Asia.

The meetings were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and goodwill. The parties expressed confidence that implementing the project of building a Russian Orthodox church in Vientiane will serve as another evidence of the strengthening of friendly Russian-Lao relations and will contribute to the development of spiritual and cultural cooperation between the peoples of Russia and Laos. It will also promote the further development of the Orthodox community in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.