Speech by Metropolitan Hilarion at the meeting of the working group of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church in the Forum-Dialogue within the framework of Russia and Italian civil societies

The meeting, held on February 21, 2017 in Moscow, was devoted to the theme "The spiritual and secular art as a tool to strengthen harmony and understanding between peoples." Your Graces, dear fathers, brothers and sisters! I cordially greet all the participants of the first meeting of the working group of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church in the Forum-dialogue between the civil societies of Russia and Italy. Today's meeting was preparing for quite some time. And we are happy to host the delegation of the Roman Catholic Church in Italy, most of which are representatives of the Italian bishops' conference. The dialogue between the civil societies is one of the important ways to strengthen relations between the peoples of different countries. Russian-Italian public forum for over ten years, holds numerous events such as cultural and dialogue - conferences and round tables devoted to the discussion of topical issues of social development. Russian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church in Italy has historically occupied an important place in the social structure of our countries; great is their role in the various spheres of social organization - the institution of family and marriage, education and charity. For these reasons, the creation of a working group of the Forum was anticipated event. This working tool will allow us to discuss issues of relevance to the two Churches, and are the subject of public debate. The Russian Orthodox Church has experience of such a forum discussion on the public markets Russia with individual foreign countries. For example, significant among them is the Russian-German forum "Petersburg Dialogue". Since 2007, the organizational structure of the Forum, a working group "Church in Europe", brings together representatives of the Russian Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Lutheran Churches in Germany. During the ten years of active cooperation of the band held numerous meetings and events dedicated to the exchange of experience of the Church in various spheres of public life. Since 2013 our group on a yearly basis implementing the project Youth theological meetings. This program is designed to introduce students of theological schools to the system of theological education in Russia and Germany, the exchange of experience and the establishment of academic contacts. Today's meeting of the Russian-Italian working group devoted to the issues of art as a tool to strengthen harmony and understanding between peoples. Culture of Russia and Italy, formed in the womb of a thousand years of Christian tradition, have great artistic heritage, invariably mutual interest and testifying to the closeness between our peoples. Culture and art historically become binding thread of our countries. It is well known that the Italian architects are authors of many architectural masterpieces that have become integral symbols of Russia. This is, first and foremost, the Faceted Chamber, 6 towers of the Moscow Kremlin, built by Pietro Antonio Solari, it's the Kremlin's Assumption Cathedral, built by Aristotle Fioravanti. It is widely known in Russia and Italian painting. In 1822, Karl Bryullov had the opportunity to go to Italy, where he studied art, genre painting and became interested in the improved historical and religious subjects. Later, he influenced generations of Russian artists. A significant influence on the development of the Russian school of classical music had Italian composers and musicians. In Italy, in turn, in many Russian and Soviet choreographers worked during the XX century. Among them: Leonid Massine choreographed in the theaters of Rome and Milan, including the famous La Scala Opera House. Sergei Diaghilev's troupe toured in Rome, Naples, Milan and Florence. Choreographer himself had a reverent attitude to Venice, where he later died. Actor and singer Feodor Chaliapin applauded theaters of Rome, Milan, Naples. Not only culture, but also the links between the Churches in our countries on a wide range of issues are serious integrating factor. A year since the historic meeting of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and His Holiness Pope Francis held at the airport in Havana February 12, 2016. As is known, the main motive for the meeting served as a tragic situation, in which there were Christians in the Middle East and North Africa as a result of armed conflict and the actions of extremists. However, during the meeting of the Primates of the two Churches, and others touched the Orthodox-Catholic relations, as well as the issues that concern the world today. Among them, the secularization of Western society, violation of the rights of believers, the crisis of family and other traditional values, undermining morality in personal and public life. Today, many political forces seeking to oust religion from the public sphere, presenting it as a purely private matter of citizens. As an integral part of human society, the Church designed to give its response to the emerging challenges, to defend their own opinion on the fundamental principles of relations between people and presence in their lives of faith. The signed after the meeting of the Joint Declaration of the Patriarch and the Pope urged the faithful of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches to cooperate and work closely together in the face of common threats. "Orthodox and Catholics, - emphasized in the declaration, - should learn to bear according to the testimony of truth in those areas where it is possible and necessary. Christian conscience and pastoral responsibility does not allow us to remain indifferent to the challenges requiring a joint response "(p. 7). Dialogue and cooperation between Orthodox and Catholics must become not only an eloquent sign of reconciliation for all people of good will, but also a real contribution to the rapprochement between peoples and believers of different religions. Today, demand joint witness of the Church of the universal values ​​of peace, kindness, love, mercy and forgiveness, which the gospel message found its highest expression.