Religious leaders promote dialogue

Leaders of Orthodox Churches from around the world congregated in the Kremlin earlier this week to congratulate Russian Patrairch Kirill I on the ocassion of his birthday. They were joined by the Russian president Dimitri Medvedev. The presence in the event of the much respected Georgian Patriarch, Illya II gave the meeting a special significance.

Relations between the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Georgian Orthodox Church have remained strong despite the difficulties in the relations between the two countries in recent years. Significantly the Georgian Church still looks at the Moscow Patriarchate as the senior amongst equals in the Orthodox hierarchy, whilst the Russian Orthodox Church in turn recognises Abkhazia as part of the See of the Georgian Patriarchate. The two Churches have promoted dialogue between citizens, regardless of the problems between governments.

Since taking over the leadership of the Russia Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill has also promoted dialogue between religious leaders in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church announced yesterday that a meeting of religious leaders of the CIS will take place in Yerevan soon and that the Head of the Board of Caucasus Muslims Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade and Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II are also expected to attend.

Religious leaders in the Soviet Union and its successors states have learnt how to operate around complicated, sometimes dangerous, political environments. In the present circumstances too they are carving a space for themselves regardless of the current problems between various post Soviet countries, but they also know that they need to move slowly and tread carefully.

source: commonspace.eu

photo: President Medvedev with Russian Orthodox Patriarch kirill I and Georgian Patriarch Ilya II, with other Heads of Orthodox Churches in the Kremlin during a recent celebration of the 65th Birthday of Kirill I  (picture courtesy of the Russian Orthodox Church)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Cargo plane crash in Lithuania, cause still unknown

Cargo plane crash in Lithuania, cause still unknown

A DHL cargo plane crashed near the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on Monday morning (25 November). One of the passengers died in the crash. He was reportedly a Spaniard. Three other crew members were injured. This was reported by Lithuanian media, including public broadcaster LRT.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Cargo plane crash in Lithuania, cause still unknown

Cargo plane crash in Lithuania, cause still unknown

A DHL cargo plane crashed near the Lithuanian capital Vilnius on Monday morning (25 November). One of the passengers died in the crash. He was reportedly a Spaniard. Three other crew members were injured. This was reported by Lithuanian media, including public broadcaster LRT.