World Bulletin/News Desk

Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill has arrived in Serbia for a three-day official visit.

Patriarch Kirill was welcomed by the Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic and Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej at the Nikola Tesla International Airport in the Serbian capital of Belgrade on Friday.

He told reporters at the airport: "Due to our common religion, cultural and historical ties, when a Russian citizen comes to Serbia he or she feels like they are home."

Patriarch Irinej said relations between Serbia and Russia were historic and unbreakable.

"Russians and Serbians are two brothers of the same religion - our relationship was always friendly. Serbia always counts on Russia because Russia helped Serbia whenever we needed it to," he said.

During the visit, Patriarch Kirill is scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Belgrade and to meet Serbian Orthodox Church representatives and Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic.

He also plans to perform a liturgy with Patriarch Irinej in the Cathedral of St. Sava in Belgrade.