Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is closely monitoring the developments in Syria with profound attention and concern, as revealed by his advisor, Archpriest Nikolay Balashov, during an interview with RIA Novosti.
According to Balashov, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church offers fervent prayers for Patriarch John X of Antioch, the bishops, clergy, monastics, and laity of the Church of Antioch. His prayers emphasize their “peace and security,” as well as the tranquility of the “blessed Syrian land.”
Daily Communication Between Moscow and Antioch
Balashov highlighted the ongoing, daily communication between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Antioch. This connection is maintained through two key representatives: Metropolitan Nifon of Philippopolis, the Patriarchate of Antioch’s representative in Moscow, and Archimandrite Philip, the Russian Orthodox Church’s representative in Damascus.
The Russian Orthodox Church expressed hope that, with God’s grace and the efforts of well-meaning individuals, the Christian heritage and population in the Middle East would be preserved. Balashov cautioned that failure in this endeavor would constitute an irreplaceable loss for humanity.
In his interview, Balashov underscored the Orthodox Church of Antioch’s historically patriotic stance, sharing in the joys, struggles, and challenges faced by the Syrian people. Patriarch John X has repeatedly affirmed that Christians are not foreigners in Syria but its true and indigenous inhabitants, integral to the nation’s rich multicultural identity.
Finally, Balashov praised Patriarch John X for his unwavering dedication to interfaith dialogue, peacebuilding, and social service, emphasizing the importance of these qualities during Syria’s pivotal moment in history.
Translation by Konstantinos Meniktas
