Archbishop Alexei of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the latter’s visit to Alaska.

The meeting took place shortly after Putin’s summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump,  which included gestures, such as laying flowers at the graves of Soviet airmen and gifting of sacred icons.

Putin presented Archbishop Alexei with images of St. Herman of Alaska and the Mother of God, while Archbishop Alexei offered an icon he had received upon his consecration as bishop, one he described as “a gift from Mount Athos that has been in my prayer corner for four years.”

Also Read:Trump Links Ukraine Peace to Divine Reward