Dialogue Between Traditional Religions and International Organizations Has Reached a High Level: Patriarch Kirill

Moscow — Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, speaking at a reception on the occasion of Orthodox Easter, discussed the importance of cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious communities, as well as international interreligious dialogue.

The traditional Easter meetings provide an opportunity for direct communication between representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, other Christian communities, and other traditional religions of the country, Patriarch Kirill said.

Attaching great importance to the development of fraternal relations with local Orthodox churches, he noted that most of them remain committed to maintaining good relations with the Moscow Patriarchate. Last year, delegations from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, the Jerusalem Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Georgia, the Serbian Patriarchate, as well as the Church of Greece, the Orthodox Church in America, and the Macedonian Orthodox Church visited Moscow, he recalled.

According to Patriarch Kirill, relations between Orthodox churches have been tested regarding loyalty to the canonical order. He accused external forces of continuing to impose the doctrine that the Patriarch of Constantinople enjoys special powers of authority, calling such thinking sinful and contrary to church laws. This also poses a danger of political influence on local Orthodox churches through a single center, he added.

Speaking about the pressure and discrimination faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill said, “This pressure has escalated into open religious persecution. Behind it are not only religious and canonical issues but also political factors.”

He stated that good relations are maintained bilaterally and on international platforms with the heads and high representatives of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the Eritrean Orthodox Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East. The Russian Orthodox Church continues to develop dialogue with leaders of non-Christian religions, as well as interreligious and international organizations.

Patriarch Kirill also noted that cooperation between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding concern for compatriots abroad is exemplary. Spiritual assistance is being provided to them through the Moscow Patriarchate’s missions in 105 countries. Russian embassies make their premises available for worship services, he said.

(Source: Russian Foreign Ministry)