During a meeting on 21 April in Moscow, Patriarch Alexi of Moscow and All Russia blessed the emerging cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Episcopal Church USA as the Russians restored their military chaplaincy with the appointment of Bishop Savva.

The Episcopal Church's Bishop for the Armed Forces, the Rt Revd Charles Keyser, led a delegation of military chaplains to consult with the Russian Orthodox last summer. At that time, the Patriarch said that he planned to appoint a new bishop to oversee military chaplaincy.

In introducing Bishop Savva to the Episcopal visitors, the Patriarch pointed out that he was a soldier before becoming a monk and priest. The Patriarch added that he was convinced that the new bishop could benefit from the experience of the Episcopal Church's chaplaincy and learn from how its ministry is organized.

The Patriarch thanked Bishop Keyser and his party for the long-standing relationship between the two Churches, giving special thanks to the social ministry which is now serving as a witness and model for the Orthodox as they attempt to reestablish their own ministries in the wake of the collapse of communism.

Bishops may visit troops in Bosnia

In response, Bishop Keyser brought greetings from Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning and expressed his thanks for the consecration of Bishop Savva. He spoke of his hopes for their work together in the future. With Presiding Bishop Browning's approval and support, Bishop Keyser invited Bishop Savva and his staff to visit Episcopal military and prison chaplains in the United States and to accompany him on a visit to Russian and American soldiers serving together on the peace-keeping mission in Bosnia. The Patriarch endorsed the idea and agreed to support the trip to Bosnia.