In Beirut, the Russian organization the Imperial Orthodox Society in Lebanon has been officially registered. The leadership of the structure does not conceal its close ties with the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society, headed by former FSB chief Sergei Stepashin.

According to the outlet Pravda.ru, the organization plans a strategic expansion of Russia’s humanitarian presence in one of the most sacred regions of the world.

The main goals of the organization are the preservation of Russia’s cultural and historical heritage on Lebanese soil, the promotion of the Russian language, and the strengthening of scientific and spiritual ties between Russia and Lebanon.

Support for the new structure was expressed by Russia’s ambassador to Lebanon, Alexander Rudakov, who noted that the foundation of its work would be the experience of the oldest international organization, the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society.

This step underscores the continuity of Russian cultural expansion, which has historically relied on deep spiritual traditions and the preservation of spiritual values, the statement said.

It is known that among the goals of the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society are assistance to the Russian Orthodox Church and the development of ties between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. Formally, the structure is engaged in humanitarian projects, but in practice it promotes the interests of the Kremlin. Since 2007 it has been headed by Stepashin, formerly director of the FSB, interior minister, and prime minister of Russia.

Media outlets reported that the authorities of Greece considered them involved in interference in the country’s internal affairs, specifically in an attempt to derail the agreement on the new name of neighboring Macedonia.

There were also allegations of their involvement in bribing church religious figures in Greece in order to disrupt recognition of the young independent church of Ukraine.

The society facilitated the transfer of ownership or custodianship of a number of holy sites to the Russian Orthodox Church in Israel.

The tasks declared by the society include shaping international public opinion, promoting claims of violations of the rights of believers in Ukraine, and conducting diplomatic work with religious leaders.

Wikipedia reports that the structure has 55 representative offices in Russia and abroad.

As reported by LF, in the center of Banja Luka in Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the government building of Republika Srpska, a cultural center and a Russian Serbian church are under construction. The initiators of the project are the Banja Luka diocese and representatives of the humanitarian organization Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society, headed by Sergei Stepashin, former prime minister of Russia and former head of the Federal Security Service.