The visitors were welcomed , on Friday, May 27, at the entrance of the Holy Cross Church, preceded by the church orchestral band. Bishop Ghattas, the Patriarchal Vicar expressed the deep joy and blessings felt from the delegation visit, stressing on the close ties between our churches and our countries. In his turn, Metropolitan Jereman expressed the deep feeling of joy for the opportunity of visiting these holy lands.

Following the Paschal hymns and prayers, the visitors and their hosts proceeded to the opening of the Russian Icon Exhibition at he Holy Cross Halls, which was a marvelous feast for the contemplation of the faithful.

On Saturday , May 28, an important celebration took place on the hills of St. Paul Vision Monastery- Tal Kawkab, where Saul was converted to the Christianity. The inauguration of St. Paul Memorial and unveiling of St. Paul sculpture were the core event of this celebration. This masterpiece was sculpted by the Russian artist, Alexander Vinchikov and financed by the Association of Preserving St. Paul Patrimony, headed by Eng. Samir Ghadban ( who has origins  from the neighboring countryside).

The visitors were received by Bishops: Mousa, the Patriarchal Assistant,  Basilios Nasour, (of Tartous and Safita), Ghattas, the Patriarchal Vicar, Archimandrite Matta, the Monastery Head and Damascus clergy.

After the ceremony of water sanctification, speeches were pronounced by the Russian Veteran and Douma representative, the Russia Ambassador, Metropolitan Jereman, Bishop Moussa, all expressing the outstanding importance of the event and its significance as regardingthe mutual relationships. Following was the unveiling of St. Paul sculpture, among the joy and amazement of the attendance.

On Sunday, May 29, the Russian delegation, accompanied with Bishops Mousa, Ghattas and Archimandrite Alexander, the Patriarchate of Moscw representative,  was received by President Bashar Al-Assad. Conversations focused on the special and distinguished ties between Russia and Syria.