🇷🇺🇱🇧 Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society Officially Opens Its Branch in Lebanon On 30 October 2026, a formal opening ceremony was held for the Imperial Orthodox Society in Lebanon (IOSL), the Lebanese branch of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society (IOPS). The newly established branch is chaired by Lebanese businessman and philanthropist Wadih Haddad. The ceremony was attended by a delegation of the IOPS visiting Lebanon, led by its Chairman, Sergey Stepashin; a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church, headed by Metropolitan Anthony (Sevryuk) of Volokolamsk, Vicar of His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’; Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov; as well as representatives of the clergy, diplomatic corps, and media. In his remarks, Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov highlighted the Society’s special role in fostering Russian-Lebanese relations: “Historically, the IOPS has played a significant role in supporting Russia’s presence in the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East. Its important, albeit not always visible, contribution to Russian-Lebanese relations can hardly be overstated. For decades, the Society has supported our cultural, educational, and spiritual initiatives in the Land of the Cedars: facilitating pilgrimages, supporting educational projects and helping to build lasting academic and humanitarian ties.” As part of their visit, the delegations also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, as well as with hierarchs of local churches. The opening of the IOSL is intended to give fresh impetus to cultural, educational, and spiritual dialogue between Russia and Lebanon, further strengthening the longstanding ties between our two peoples.