High Level Visit: Metropolitan Cornelius Becomes First Guest of New FBA EAC Committee
A formal meeting was held at the headquarters of the Financial and Business Association of Euro-Asian Cooperation, convening representatives from the business community and religious ministry. The distinguished visitor to the Association was His Eminence Metropolitan Cornelius, Primate of the Russian Orthodox Old-Rite Church and Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia. Metropolitan Cornelius was greeted by FBA EAC President Li Shuobing and Chairman of the FBA EAC Board Alexander Murychev.
Metropolitan Cornelius' visit was extended at the invitation of Tudor Afanasov, head of the International Committee on Humanitarian and Social Policy, Charity, and Patronage. The establishment of this committee was approved by the FBA EAC Board on November 14, 2025. Its primary objective is to revitalize and promote the noble traditions of Russian patronage, establishing a linkage between business success and social responsibility, cultural support, and selfless aid.
In addressing the esteemed guest, Mr. Li Shuobing underscored that mutual respect and shared spiritual values form the solid foundation for a harmonious and enduring partnership, both in business and international cooperation. Alexander Murychev characterized Metropolitan Cornelius' visit as a significant milestone for FBA EAC, opening up new avenues for cooperation not only in economic but also social and humanitarian domains.
In the context of Old Believer culture, patronage represents an intrinsic form of moral service. Metropolitan Cornelius emphasized the critical importance of initiatives aimed at supporting spiritual, cultural, and community projects, as they fortify mutual trust and are directed towards aiding individuals. According to him, the relations between Russia and China have been progressing increasingly constructively and amicably in recent years, thereby creating opportunities for broadening cooperation in the sphere of spiritual culture. Furthermore, the Metropolitan commended the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the Russian leadership to support the Church and preserve spiritual values of paramount significance to the entire Orthodox world.
Upon concluding the official visit, His Eminence Metropolitan Cornelius extended his gratitude to the leadership of FBA EAC for the cordial reception. As a token of appreciation, he presented the Association with a unique album depicting all icons from the Old Believer Cathedral of the Intercession in Moscow, a publication meticulously prepared with special care and spiritual inspiration.