Primates of Serbia and Russia Erinei and Kiril met

Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church met with His Holiness Patriarch Serbian Iriney Предстоятель Русской Православной Церкви встретился со Святейшим Патриархом Сербским Иринеем print version January 29, 2019 19:16 On January 29, 2019, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church at the Patriarchal and Synodal residence in the Danilov Stavropegic Monastery . Patriarch of the Holy Cross Secretary of the Serbian Patriarch Iriney Dejan Nakic. On the part of the Russian Orthodox Church, the meeting was attended by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk , Metropolitan Sergiy of Singapore and Southeast Asia , Metropolitan of Singapore and Southeast Asia , Bishop Andrey of Ostrogozhsk and Rossoshansky , Archpriest Nikolai Balashov , Vice-President of the Dvor Russian Orthodox Church, and the Priest of the Russian Orthodox Church, who participated in the meeting. Vitaly Tarasiev, DECR Secretary for Inter-Orthodox Relations, Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, DECR staff member A.Yu. Hoshev His Holiness cordially welcomed His Holiness Patriarch Irenaeus, who arrived in Moscow for the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Primate's Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill. His Holiness Vladyka also emphasized that this year the Serbian Orthodox Church celebrates the 800th anniversary of autocephality, and in 2020 the 100th anniversary of the restoration of the Patriarchate. “These outstanding dates mark the respectable antiquity of church institutions that have been formed on the Serbian land. In connection with the upcoming anniversary, we will also discuss further joint efforts to decorate the cathedral in honor of the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church, St. Sava, ”said Patriarch Kirill. The archpastor also noted the significant role of the Compound - the Serbian Orthodox Church in Moscow and the Russian Orthodox Church in Belgrade - which, according to him, are very important links. “I would like to thank Vladyka Anthony Moravichsky for his ministry as your high representative in Moscow. We also know that you are showing fatherly concern for the Compound of the Russian Orthodox Church in Belgrade, and is glad to see our representative here, ”said His Holiness. Referring to the position of the Orthodox Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, Patriarch Kirill expressed concern about the growing aggressiveness of extremist forces towards the Serbian population. “We always pray for our brothers and sisters in Kosovo and Metohija,” said His Holiness. “We know that Kosovo and Metohija play a very special historical and spiritual role in the life of the Serbian people, and we understand how difficult it is for everyone who knows the history of Serbia, the Serbian Church to perceive the negative things that are happening in these lands now. But the Lord conducts our Churches through trials and, perhaps, this is why you, like no one else, understand well our pain regarding what is happening in Ukraine. ” According to the Primate of the Russian Church, these events can be called links of a single chain, for these are “attempts through divisive tendencies to weaken the power of Universal Orthodoxy.” “Of course, in this case we are talking, first of all, about the Russian Church, which today suffers greatly from a split in Ukraine. And, of course, it is important that what is happening in Kosovo and Metohija never lead to a breakdown of the spiritual connection of Serbia, the Serbian Church with these lands, which have always been an integral part of it, ”stated His Holiness. “Our Churches, with certain differences - in geography, location, and history - have a lot in common. First of all, it is a host of martyrs that adorn both the Russian and Serbian Churches. Our martyrs have always been faithful to Orthodoxy, have always given their lives for the Church and left us a covenant to be faithful to church unity, to observe the purity of Orthodoxy and to do everything so that no hostile winds could destroy the unity of the Orthodox Church today, ”Patriarch Kirill concluded. In turn, His Holiness Patriarch Iriney thanked the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church for the invitation to the celebrations. “From our Church and our people we express our best wishes to you for a long time to remain on the throne of the Moscow Patriarchs,” said the distinguished guest. - You are leading the Russian people on the path of God, for the glory of God and for good, for the good of Universal Orthodoxy. You are at the head of a powerful Church and Orthodox people, who in their history have passed through many temptations. You are a prime example and we strive to follow in your footsteps. ” The head of the Serbian Church also expressed deep gratitude for the assistance that the Russian Orthodox Church has always provided to the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian people. “Throughout history, our two peoples expressed closeness to one another. We are not only friends, we are the blood of the people of our country with one faith, one Church, and this has manifested itself throughout our history, ”testified His Holiness Patriarch Irenaeus. “I thank your Holiness for keeping a close eye on the events in Kosovo and Metohija. Today, what is happening in Kosovo and Metohija represents our great wound, ”Patriarch Irenaeus continued. - For us, Kosovo is a holy land that is saturated with our blood when we defended our shrines during the times of the Ottoman Empire and other circumstances. All that is of great importance in our history, our culture - the roots of this are in Kosovo and Metohija. This is the place of our glorious history. And many saints shone on this very earth. We are doing our best to defend against these attacks. We place great hopes on big brotherly Russia, and on you, Your Holiness. We hope that thanks to your contribution we will be able to protect Kosovo and Metohija. ” Patriarch Iriney also voiced the position of the Serbian Orthodox Church regarding the church crisis in Ukraine. “This is a great temptation for Orthodoxy, this is a phenomenon that has its place in our house, inside it,” stressed the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church. “Unfortunately, this is not a canonical or ecclesiastical question, but a purely political one, but Universal Orthodoxy must take it very seriously. Being in Moscow is a good reason to exchange opinions, to talk about what we should do next. We dare not close our eyes to such a question and problem. And we will offer prayers that the Lord God will remove this temptation in His Church. ” At the end of the meeting, the parties exchanged gifts.

His Beatitude Patriarch of Antioch and the whole East arrived in Moscow John X

On January 29, 2019, His Beatitude Patriarch of Antioch and the entire East, John X, arrived in Moscow. The Primate of the Antiochian Orthodox Church will take part in the celebrations dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the Primate's Service of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. His Beatitude Patriarch John X accompany Metropolitan Akkarsky Vasily, Metropolitan of Buenos Aires and throughout Argentina Jacob, representative of the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East at the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, the personal secretary of His Beatitude Patriarch John X Archimandrite Parthenius (Al-Lati), a member of the Antioch Patriarchate, Deacon Meletios Shattakhi, representatives of the youth movement of the Antioch Orthodox Church Raymond Rizk, Hassan Richet, Georges Ghandour. Together with the delegation of the Orthodox Church of Antioch, a representative of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia under Patriarch of Antioch and the whole East arrived to hegumen Arseny (Sokolov) . In the capital's airport "Vnukovo-3" His Beatitude Patriarch John X met the abbot of Antioch monastery in Moscow , Metropolitan Nifon of Philippopolis , Metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Theophanes , Archbishop of Pyatigorsk and Circassian Theophylact , head of the DECR protocol abbot Theophane (Lukyanov) .

On January 21-25, 2019, in Addis Ababa, in the administrative center of the Ethiopian Patriarchate, the first ever meeting of the bilateral Commission on the dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church was held mp

On January 21-25, 2019, in Addis Ababa, in the administrative center of the Ethiopian Patriarchate, the first ever meeting of the bilateral Commission on the dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church was held. The agreement on the creation of this Commission was reached by His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill and His Holiness the Catholicos of Ethiopia Abuna Matthias during the visit of the Primate of the Ethiopian Church to Russia on May 15-20, 2018. Earlier, in November 2017 and in March 2018, meetings of the joint working group for the preparation of the dialogue were held in Moscow and in Addis Ababa. On July 14, 2018, the Commission was established by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, in December of the same year, the Synod of the Ethiopian Church made a similar decision. On the part of the Moscow Patriarchate, the members of the Commission are: Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, Metropolitan John of Korsun and Western Europe — co-chairman of the commission; Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary for Inter-Christian Relations of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate; V.V. Kipshidze , deputy chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media ; Deacon Dimitri Serov, Executive Secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate Commission for the regulation of student exchanges. The Ethiopian Church in the Commission is represented by: Archbishop Abuna Philipos, head of the Diocese of Southern Omo, co-chair of the Commission; Priest Elias Abrha, Head of the Press Department of the Ethiopian Church; Priest Daniel Seyfemihael, Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Ethiopian Church; Gebreanna Gebrezhadik, a priest, employee of the Ethiopian Patriarchate. In the course of the meeting, the priorities for interchurch cooperation were identified for the near future: interaction in academic and informational areas, in the field of church art and the production of church utensils, as well as the exchange of experience in missionary work and diaconical service. On behalf of the Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Church, the meeting was greeted by the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Archbishop of South Gondar Abun Aregawi. Following the meeting, a joint communiqué was adopted, in which the Commission stressed the importance of the meeting of the Primates of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church in Moscow in May 2018 and the joint Communiqué signed by them to enhance bilateral cooperation at the present stage. These agreements formed the basis of the Commission’s work. Drawing attention to the continuing difficult humanitarian situation in the Middle East region, as well as in several countries of North and Central Africa, the parties noted the need to work together to protect suffering Christians who are subjected to various forms of discrimination and oppression almost daily. The Commission recognized the importance of international solidarity with all the innocent victims of terrorism and extremism, including paying tribute to the memory of 30 Ethiopian Christians who were brutally murdered in April 2015 on the Mediterranean coast in Libya. The Commission highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of supporting traditional moral values, primarily in the diaspora countries. The agreements on the development of student exchange, joint participation in scientific events held by educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church, on the implementation of projects relating to youth interaction have been worked out. The Commission welcomed the establishment in the near future of cooperation between the production of church plateware of the Russian Orthodox Church and the relevant institutions of the Ethiopian Church and other projects in the field of church art. The parties also expressed their intention to develop an exchange of experience in the field of missionary work, social service and diakonia. It recognized an important initiative to establish interchurch cooperation in the field of media, which may include the exchange of relevant professional delegations, the production of media products and the development of television projects on the history and modern life of Russian and Ethiopian Christian traditions. The Commission determined the nature of bilateral interaction in inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogues, and also highlighted the need for cooperation in diaspora countries. The Commission thanked the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Addis Ababa and the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Moscow for assistance in organizing inter-church dialogue. Separately, the importance was noted for bilateral contacts of the opening in December 2017 of a direct flight of Ethiopian airlines from Addis Ababa to Moscow, at the presentation of which the Primate of the Ethiopian Church personally attended. Commission secretaries were elected: from the Russian Orthodox Church - hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), from the Ethiopian Church - priest Daniel Seyfemihal. The results of the meeting will be officially reported to the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church. January 21, the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church visited are located in Addis Ababa, publishing center, church shops and the University of the Holy Trinity, where the Metropolitan John had a warm conversation with the rector, one of the oldest hierarchs of the Ethiopian Church, Archbishop Timothy Habtesellasie Tesfu, who is a graduate of the Leningrad Theological Academy in the same years with the current Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Kirill. Vladyka recalled with great affection the joint years of study with him and the intensive ties between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ethiopian Church at that time. On January 23, the members of the Commission were received by His Holiness Patriarch-Catholicos of Ethiopia Abuna Matthias. Metropolitan John conveyed to the Primate of the Ethiopian Church greetings and wishes of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, briefed on the progress of the bilateral dialogue and plans for the implementation of the joint projects outlined in its framework. For his part, His Holiness Patriarch Abuna Matthias stressed the importance of developing bilateral relations at the present stage and asked that best wishes be conveyed to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. The parties exchanged souvenirs. On the same day, members of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church visited the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Addis Ababa, where Metropolitan John served a water-holy prayer service for the staff of the Russian diplomatic mission, after which he wished his compatriots God's help in his labors on African land. Then, on behalf of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia V.I. Tkachenko was given a gala dinner in honor of Metropolitan John of Korsun and Western Europe and members of the Russian church delegation. On the part of the Embassy, ​​the Counselor-Envoy, the Deputy Head of the Diplomatic Mission EI Yurkov and the Attaché of the Embassy K.M. Kluykov. During their stay in Ethiopia, members of the delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church also visited the Holy Trinity Monastery in Debre-Libanos, which is also a major church-educational center. On January 18-19, they took part in the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord - the celebrations that are called Timkat in Ethiopia and are held with the broadest scope of the national celebration. The next meeting of the Commission will be held in 2020.

An evening in memory of the Holy Martyr Seraphim (Chichagov) was held in the New Jerusalem Stavropegic Monastery

With the blessing of the vicar of the Resurrection New Jerusalem Jerusalem Monastery of Archimandrite Theophylact An evening of remembrance of the saint was held "... You are my God and Christ." As part of the evening's program, soloists and the mixed choir of the New Jerusalem Monastery, conducted by Marianna Novakovic, performed the vocal and choral works of St. Seraphim. Author's instrumental compositions by Metropolitan Seraphim were performed on piano, violin and harp. The concert was attended by the winner of international competitions Sergey Semenov (piano), the winner of international competitions Ekaterina Rezchikova (harp), Elena Rudnitskaya (soprano), German Rudnitsky (tenor), Marianna Novakovich (violin), winner of international and All-Russian competitions Tatyana Zemtsova (concert master ).

The Moscow Synodal Choir performed in the Vatican the oratorio "Andrei Rublev"

On January 20, 2019, for the first time in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, a concert was held in the Vatican in honor of the saint, canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church. The musical event was held in the Cathedral of Rome - the main papal basilica of St. John the Baptist on Lateran Hill and was timed to the thirtieth anniversary of the glorification in the face of the saints of the great Russian icon painter Rev. Andrei Rublev. The Moscow Synodal Choir, together with the choir of the Roman Diocese and the Italian symphonic orchestra Fideles et Amati, performed the Andrei Rublev oratorio by the contemporary Italian composer Monsignor Marco Frizin, who was at the conductor's performance during the performance. The concert was opened by the Moscow Synodal Choir, which presented solo two works by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk “Cherubic Hymn” and “In Your Kingdom”. The artistic director of the Moscow Synodal Choir was conducted by Honored Artist of Russia Alexei Puzakov and artistic director of the Youth Synodal Choir Mikhail Kotelnikov. The idea to hold a joint Russian-Italian sacred music concert in the Vatican, dedicated to Andrei Rublev, belongs to the author of the oratorio. The project was supported by the Department of Culture of the City of Moscow, the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Embassy of Russia in the Vatican and the Pontifical Lateran University. “The Russian side seemed to have an important idea of ​​the joint performance of modern Italian music, dedicated to the Russian icon painter. In the work of Andrei Rublev, we see the benchmarks of traditional Christian values ​​of love and understanding, ”noted the artistic director of the Moscow Synodal Choir, Alexei Puzakov. The importance of the event for the Russian-Vatican and Orthodox-Catholic relations was emphasized in his speech by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Holy See A.A. Avdeev. The Moscow Synodal Choir performs in Rome for the fourth time. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, together with the most famous professional male choir of the Catholic Church - the Papal Sistine Chapel - the Synodal Choir performed music of Western and Eastern Christian tradition in the Sistine Chapel itself in the Vatican, in the Basilica of St. Peter, the Cathedral of St. John Lateran and the Holy Basilica Mary, Angels and Martyrs

Results of the church decade

An article by the chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Relations with Society and the Media V.R. Legoids published on the website of "Evening Moscow". To understand which direction to go next, the Church must look back and summarize some of the past decade. With all confidence we can say that during this period the Church has become one of the centers of public life and the information agenda. If we talk about traditional media, the number of materials about the Russian Orthodox Church has increased many times, and the negative ones range from 3 to 5 percent. I emphasize that this is without taking into account the instant messengers, since the agenda there is basically different. A very important achievement was the adoption in 2010 of the law on the transfer to the Church of property in state or municipal ownership. Prior to this, many churches, in which services constantly went, were, oddly enough, not owned by religious organizations. This process has been launched and is continuing successfully. Schools started teaching the course “Fundamentals of Religious Culture”. We can talk about its probable expansion. According to our data, up to 40 percent of parents today choose this course for their children. It should be noted that the Church does not seek to promote its discipline at any cost, especially to the detriment of other subjects. The specialists who developed this course are familiar with the educational process and know that there is a big burden on the shoulders of schoolchildren today. Finally, we see that in recent years the number of young people who come to the Church has increased significantly. It is not by chance that the theme of the Christmas readings this year is designated as “Youth: Freedom and Responsibility”. In accordance with the Christian interpretation, these concepts do not exist separately from each other. The church is trying today to conduct a dialogue with young people so as to be understandable and understandable. Today, most of the young audience has switched to telegram channels. If this platform attracts attention, then the Church should be present there. In social networks today there are pages of many religious figures who have a large and sincere interest of the audience. At the same time, it is very important that the temple is not just another interest club, but the opportunity to come to Christ, change your life, solve some issues that are particularly acute during adolescence, and talk about problems that are more nowhere to discuss will not work. The readings will give participants the opportunity to once again exchange views on these and other important topics in the life of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk: The Ukrainian Tomos reflected the papal aspirations of Constantinople

Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk: The Ukrainian Tomos reflected the papal aspirations of Constantinople Митрополит Волоколамский Иларион: В украинском «томосе» получили отражение папистские устремления Константинополя print version January 23, 2019 10:28 On January 19, 2019, on the Russia-24 channel on Saturdays and Sundays, the chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s department for external church relations , Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, answered the questions of the leading television channel Ekaterina Gracheva . E. Gracheva : Hello! This is the “Church and Peace” program, in which we talk with the chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk. Hello, lord! Metropolitan Hilarion : Hello, Catherine! Hello, dear brothers and sisters! E. Gracheva : Vladyka, this weekend will be almost a month since the terrible tragedy that happened in Magnitogorsk - an explosion in a residential building that claimed dozens of lives. Does our Church somehow participate in the fate of the victims and in the fate of the relatives of the victims of this tragedy? Metropolitan Hilarion : From the very beginning, our Church took a lively and effective part in the fate of those who suffered from this explosion. Immediately after the tragedy, the Church began to assist the victims. Bishop Innocent of Magnitogorsk assembled the abbot of all the churches of the city, created a church operational headquarters, left for the place of the tragedy, priests arrived there. First of all, they helped in what is so necessary - in the psychological rehabilitation of people, because for those who have lost their loved ones, this is a very difficult, very scary moment. And here it is important that the priest is there so that he can find some right words so that he can instill hope in people. In addition, the Church helps a lot and those who were hospitalized as a result of house collapse. Our clergy provide all possible assistance that can be provided to people affected in this terrible tragedy. E. Gracheva : Lord, our program is released in the days when we celebrate the baptism of the Lord. Even unbelievers in our country know about this holiday, and even those who do not go to churches do not miss the opportunity to dip a hole. Is it true that the baptismal water is so life-giving that it washes away sins even from such people? Metropolitan Hilarion : The water of baptism by itself cannot wash away sins if a person does not go to confession, if he does not partake, does not participate in church life. And in general, such an attitude towards holy water is dangerous, which suggests that it has some kind of "magical" action - supposedly you can not go to church, you can not believe in God, you can not do good deeds, but if you stock up with holy water, then everything will be fine . It does not happen. There is no magic, amulets, talismans or conspiracies in the Church. The church, above all, involves conscious participation in the sacraments, in worship. The consecration of water is an annual rite, which is performed primarily in memory of the Baptism of the Lord. According to the tradition in our country, despite the cold, the water under the ice is consecrated, and then people go there. By itself, this custom has nothing to do with the Church. The church has never invited people to plunge into the hole. This can be done by people, of course, to whom this allows health. You can not abuse this. It is impossible, as doctors say, to plunge into the hole in people who have heart disease or some other disease - this is a big stress for the body. I myself plunge into the ice-hole annually, and not only at Baptism. I know that in itself it has a healing effect on the body. But nothing magical happens here and there can be no absolution here either. Therefore, one should not overestimate the importance of immersion in the hole. As for the holy water - if believers take it inside or sprinkle it on their dwellings, then through this they receive the blessing of God. E. Gracheva : Lord, there are many myths about baptismal water. For example, that it acquires other properties, does not freeze, does not “bloom”. The water of the Epiphany froze at me and “blossomed”. So I had the “wrong” water? Or maybe I'm a big sinner? Metropolitan Hilarion : The Epiphany water, over which the rite of consecration has been accomplished, retains the chemical properties of water, therefore, of course, it can freeze and deteriorate. A significant part of the myths that the water of the Epiphany acquires other properties, for example, it cannot “bloom”, is not based on reality. At the same time, the experience of many people shows that this water costs throughout the year and does not deteriorate. The fact that Epiphany water freezes is an obvious fact. When I served in Lithuania as a priest, I had a parish where there was no heating. And if on the street minus 20, then inside the temple in which I served, it was also minus 20. I had baptismal water, which, of course, froze and turned into ice. When I took communion from the cup, I could not tear it from my lips, because it was frozen to my lips. Therefore, a significant part of these myths, of course, is not based on reality, although, I repeat, the experience of many people shows that the water of baptism stands throughout the year and does not deteriorate. E. Gracheva : Vladyka, in our last program you spoke about the events of January 5 - giving autocephaly to the Ukrainian church, but did not affect the content of the “Thomos” itself. In general, is the text of this “tomos” available? What does it contain? Metropolitan Hilarion : This text has been published. I have his translation in my hands. This text speaks of the establishment of an autocephalous church in Ukraine, but it provides for so many restrictions that it cannot be called a true autocephaly. For example, a new church structure cannot establish bishops or establish congregations outside the country; already existing foreign communities are being subordinated to Constantinople; the possibility of Ukrainian bishops and clergy to appeal against the Patriarch of Constantinople, who takes the canonical responsibility to take peremptory judicial decisions for bishops and other clergy of this supposedly independent church, is being consolidated. Just imagine, if such restrictions were imposed on the Russian Church. By the way, Constantinople tried to impose such restrictions on us. So, we should have about a thousand of our parishes in the diaspora simply to lose or give to Constantinople simply because the Patriarch of Constantinople is so eager. Or, say, some father was guilty, the bishop banned him, and he appeals to the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Patriarch of Constantinople makes a judgment and it is considered mandatory for the Russian Church. This is not an autocephaly. E. Gracheva : That is, translating into simple language, if Ukrainians living outside the country in France, in the USA, in other countries of the world want to take communion, to be baptized, to get married, they will still go to the canonical Church of the Moscow Patriarchate? Metropolitan Hilarion : Yes. In fact, this will mean that the faithful Ukrainians, as is happening now, will go to the churches of the Russian Orthodox Church in the diaspora. In our parishes in the diaspora a significant number of believers, and in many parishes most of the believers are Ukrainians, Moldovans, they are not Russians. Also in the "tomos" it is said that "the autocephalous church of Ukraine recognizes as its head the Most Holy Apostolic and Patriarchal Ecumenical Throne". This actually means that for this Ukrainian church structure the Patriarch of Constantinople will perform the same function that the Pope performs for the Catholic Church. As a matter of fact, the papal aspirations of Constantinople are spelled out here, which they have already repeatedly voiced, but are not recognized by any of the Local Churches. Now, a structure has been created in Ukraine by Constantinople, which will be forced to recognize these papal claims, because it was only under these conditions that she was able to get a “tomos about autocephaly”. E. Gracheva : You speak the language of a church diplomat. I will now read out a sharper definition of what is happening in Ukraine. These are the words of the Serbian Orthodox Church : "The chauvinists-russophobes, led by corrupt politicians, while" assisting "the Uniates and, unfortunately, with the illegal complicity of the Constantinople Patriarchate, deepened and expanded the existing schisms." This is a reaction to the provision of autocephaly to Ukraine. What is the reaction of other Local Orthodox Churches to this event? Metropolitan Hilarion : The Serbian Orthodox Church took a very clear position, and in the message of the entire episcopate of the Serbian Church there was a very clear non-recognition of the actions of Constantinople to legalize the Ukrainian schism. You can also recall the statements of individual hierarchs, for example, the Metropolitan of Montenegrin Amphilochius , Bishop Iriney Bachsky, who quite clearly assessed the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople as inadmissible. The Patriarch of Antioch, responding to the letter of the Patriarch of Constantinople, said: “From your letter it appears that you decided to continue the process of giving autocephaly <...> Therefore, we urge you not to take any decisions that are not worth the consensus of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, because it is unwise to stop the split at the cost of unity of the Orthodox world. " The Patriarch of Constantinople did not heed the admonition of his Antiochian colleague. Metropolitan of Warsaw and all of Poland Sawa , expressing the position of the Polish Orthodox Church , expressed an unequivocal rejection of what was done by Constantinople in Ukraine. Therefore, of course, in the Local Churches there is growing dissatisfaction with what the Patriarch of Constantinople has done. E. Gracheva : You say that discontent is growing among believers and Orthodox people. But I can also say that, probably, misunderstanding is also growing among the unchurched people. What kind of war is going on between the Patriarchs? After all, the granting of autocephaly to the Ukrainian church became possible due to different interpretations of the same sacred texts, canons. And Kiev put a lot of intellectual effort in order to find the necessary interpretations and formulations. How should an unchurched person now relate to sacred texts, if, according to their interpretation, even the clergy lacked unity? Metropolitan Hilarion : I think that it will be very difficult for an unchurched person to understand all this. But after all, even the interpretation of civil laws is not always the same for different people or different warring parties. And here we are dealing with an attempt to completely artificially interpret some of the rules that were adopted by the Ecumenical Councils and concerned the prerogatives of the Patriarch of Constantinople exclusively within its own jurisdiction. Now the Patriarch of Constantinople has decided to interpret these rules broadly as referring to the whole world, to the entire diaspora. Now they are being imposed on this new Ukrainian structure, since it was only under these conditions that it was able to get the so-called autocephaly. But, I repeat, she did not receive a real autocephaly. In recent months, Constantinople has repeatedly voiced the idea that every Local Church should exist within the boundaries within which it is recognized by the Patriarchate of Constantinople. At the same time, at the moment of recognition of the Russian Orthodox Church by the Patriarchate of Constantinople, its geographical boundaries included only the Moscow principality. According to the logic of Constantinople, the further expansion of the Moscow Patriarchate is interpreted almost as lawless expansion. There was a Moscow principality, then it developed, then Russia acquired more and more new territories. So, our Church should not have gone beyond the limits of the Moscow principality, should not have been engaged in missionary activities, and she had to keep the boundaries in which she received any papers from Constantinople? This is such an absurd idea, it is so contrary to the very nature of the Church that even seriously discussing it is not possible. For over 300 years, it was the united Russian Orthodox Church that was engaged in missionary and educational activities in the territory of Ukraine. And the Patriarchate of Constantinople, creating a new structure on the territory of Ukraine, encroached, among other things, on many territories that did not belong to the Kiev Metropolitanate, which was independent of Moscow, which it created five centuries ago. E. Gracheva : At the end of 2018, the State Duma adopted the “Law on the Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment”. Lord, are you familiar with the text of this law? According to the canons of the Church, what rights do animals have? Metropolitan Hilarion : The church was created for people, but this does not mean that it has never dealt with animals. Recently, a group of artists sent a letter expressing gratitude to Patriarch Kirill and Metropolitan Juvenal , who heads the Moscow Regional Diocese , for caring for animals. In particular, zoodefenders had in mind shelters for homeless animals, which are organized at temples near Moscow. We told about one of these shelters in our program. Therefore, for believers, the fate of animals is not indifferent, and the Church also takes care of them. E. Grachev : Lord, amended the "Law on anti-terrorism activities." The legislative initiative involves, in particular, the formulation of requirements for the anti-terrorist protection of religious organizations. What do these amendments to the law mean and how will they be applied in practice? Metropolitan Hilarion : As far as I know, it is assumed that each religious object will be examined in terms of the possible consequences of a terrorist act. Each such object will be assigned one of three categories. The first category is temples and other religious sites, where in the event of a terrorist attack more than a thousand people can become victims, that is, these are the largest churches, monasteries, and mosques. The second and third categories are temples that accommodate fewer people. Any measures aimed at protecting people from terrorism are now in demand and necessary, because terrorism is the plague of the 21st century, with which everyone must fight, including through legislative means. We must create such a situation in the country for all believers and non-believers in order to minimize the damage that terrorists can do to people. In the second part of the program, Metropolitan Hilarion answered TV viewers questions that came to the website of the Church and Peace program. Question : In the Gospel there are lines "and the enemies of man are his own ones." Explain what is in this passage? Metropolitan Hilarion : These words were spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ when He warned His disciples about the difficulties they might encounter. Literally, these words are borrowed from the book of the Prophet Micah from chapter 7, which says: “For the son dishonors the father, the daughter rebel against the mother, the daughter in law against her mother-in-law; His enemies are his household ”(Micah 7: 6). Christ rephrased the words of the prophet, speaking first of all about the situation in which people who converted to Christianity, His teachings, could find themselves, if their relatives rebel against their choice. In such a situation, in principle, anyone can be: parents can be against the choice of their children, the husband can be against the choice made by the wife, or children can be against the choice of parents. In this situation, the Lord says that loyalty to our neighbors, we must always prefer loyalty to Christ, that is, in the first place always put love for Him. We can also recall that Christ Himself, when he went out to preach, when he began to gather around Himself the disciples and people who were possessed by various diseases, possessed with demons, and so on began to gather around Him, experienced some resistance from His relatives. In the Gospel of Mark it is even said that “His neighbors went to take Him, for they said that He went out of himself” (Mark 3:21). That is, in other words, they thought that He was crazy. And Jesus Christ repeatedly said that one of His followers might be in a similar situation.

On the feast day of the martyr Tatiana, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill celebrates the Liturgy in the home church of Moscow State University

print version January 25, 2019 18:14 On January 25, 2019, on the feast day of the martyrs Tatiana and with her victims in Rome, His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill celebrated Divine Liturgy in the home church of the holy martyr Tatiana - the Patriarch Compound at Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov. This day is celebrated the Day of Russian students. His Holiness was served by: Archbishop Ambrose of Verey , Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy ; Bishop John of Domodedovo , Governor of the Novospassky Stavropegic Monastery , Co-Chairman of the Commission for Work with Universities and Academia at the Diocesan Council of Moscow; Protopresbyter Vladimir Divakov , Secretary of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in Moscow; Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov , Rector of the Orthodox St. Tikhon Humanities University ; Archpriest Nikolai Balashov , Deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations ; Archpriest Maxim Kozlov , Chairman of the Training Committee of the Russian Orthodox Church; Archpriest Vladimir Vigilyansky , rector of the church of the holy martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University. Mv Lomonosov; Protopriest Cyril Kaleda, rector of the Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church at the Butovo training ground , Chairman of the Commission for the Study of the New Martyrs and Confessors' Exploit and Commemoration of the departed clergy of the Moscow Diocese ; Priest Alexander Volkov , Head of the Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia , Rector of the Church of the Venerable Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo, Moscow; metropolitan clergy. The rector was attended by the rector of Moscow State University. Mv Lomonosova V.A. Sadovnichy, management, members of the faculty corporation and students of Moscow State University, members of the Commission for work with universities and the scientific community at the Diocesan Council of Moscow. Also, the deputy chairman of the Synodal department for monasteries and monasticism , the abbess of Zachatievsky Stavropegic Convent, Abbess Juliana (Kaleda) , a professor at the Faculty of Journalism of Moscow State University, prayed at the divine service. Mv Lomonosov and the Literary Institute. A.M. Gorky writer I.N. Volgin. Worship songs performed by the choir of the Church of the MC. Tatiana (regent MA Kozyrev) and the choir of the school of spiritual singing at the temple of the MC. Tatiana (Regent S.Yu. Markelov). The service was broadcast live on the Soyuz TV channel. On the special litany, petitions were raised about pupils and students of Moscow State University and Russian universities. Then, petitions were raised about the unity of the Orthodox Church and the preservation of the Church from divisions and splits. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church offered a prayer for peace in Ukraine. During the Liturgy, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill performed the priestly ordination of deacon Vasily Bobrov, a subdeacon of His Holiness, cleric of the church of St. Nicholas. Sergius of Radonezh in Solntsevo, Moscow. The sermon before the sacrament was delivered by Archpriest Kirill Kaleda, rector of the Church of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church at the Butovo range. At the end of the Liturgy on the pulpit of the church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill consecrated three stone plaques with the names of the saints who had studied and taught at Moscow State University. The rector of the church, Archpriest Vladimir Vigilyansky, greeted the Holy Vladyka. “A month ago there was a very important date for us - 25 years ago the Scientific Council, the rector's office headed by Viktor Antonovich Sadovnichy decided to open the temple at Moscow University - to re-create the temple of the martyr Tatiana in its historic place; The first service was held a year later. This date has become significant not only for Moscow University, but also for all higher educational institutions of the Russian Federation. For them, MSU has become an example of the relationship between the Church and the university, activities to bring the Church and higher educational institutions closer together, ”said Father Vladimir. V.A. Sadovnichy congratulated the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church and all those gathered on the holiday and presented His Holiness with an icon of the holy martyr Tatiana, written in the 19th century. The rector handed over a certificate for 2.7 million rubles for the improvement of the Tatiana church. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed the participants in the liturgy with the Primatial word , after which he uttered words of gratitude to the rector of Moscow State University. “I would like to sincerely thank you, Viktor Antonovich, for the many good deeds you perform as the rector of the university. The opening of this church and, in general, the close cooperation of the university with the Russian Orthodox Church is really connected with your name. I think all this restores the organic integrity of our society, our people. After all, all these divisions, which were imposed by the spirit of the times and political will, as we now know for sure, did not serve the good. Today, the conciliar strength of our people is being restored, a tremendous work is going on gathering all the forces so that Russia is spiritually, intellectually, materially strong, so that it can go its own sovereign way, as its great founders have commanded. Thank you for your active participation in all this work, for all the wonderful things that are happening within the walls of Moscow State University, which is the highest school number 1 in the Russian state. May the blessing of God be upon you, over the entire professorial-teaching corporation, over the students and all the friends of the university, ”said His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. As a gift to the church at the Moscow State University, His Holiness Blessed the icon of the holy first apostles Peter and Paul. *** The tradition of honoring university saints was born in the temple of the martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University simultaneously with the revival of community life in 1995. To date, thanks to the efforts of clergymen, parishioners and friends of the temple, information has been gathered about twenty saints who have studied or taught at Moscow University in different years. They represent all four faculties that operated at the beginning of the 20th century: historical-philological, physical and mathematical (including the natural department), legal and medical. All twenty people belong to the Council of the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church. Two of them - in the episcopal dignity (hieromartyrs Vassian (Pyatnitskii) and Peter (Zverev)), four - in monastic rank (Martyr Vladimir (Pishchulin) Seraphim (Tevar), Theodore (Epiphany), prepodobnoispovednik Nikon (Belyaev) of Optina)) , ten - from the secular clergy (hieromartyrs Elijah Gromoglasov, Vyacheslav Zankov, Sergius Mechev, Boris Nazarov, Alexander Orlov, Vladimir Smirnov, Vladimir K. Smirnov, Elijah Chetverukhin Vladimir Ambartsumov Pyotr Petrikov) and four - the laity (martyrs Mikhail Novoselov, John Popov, Leonid Salkov and Dimitri Spiridonov). At least ten of them graduated from Moscow University, one taught in it, one graduated and taught, the rest studied at different times. Four people were injured in the late 1920s - early 1930s, thirteen - in the period of the “Great Terror” (1937-1938), three more were martyred in the early 1940s. Among the university saints there are people who belonged to different positions within the Russian Church of the 1920s and 1930s: supporters of the Deputy Patriarchal Locum Tenens, Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky), “not remembering” and followers of Metropolitan Joseph (Petrovs). In addition, the parish honors the memory of St. Philaret (Drozdov), Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna, who consecrated the university church in 1837. The lower temple is dedicated to him, his name is also on one of the plaques. The collection of information about the saints and devotees of piety of Moscow University

memory of the martyrs Tatiana and with her victims in Rome

On January 24, 2019, on the eve of the day of the memory of the martyrs Tatiana and with her victims in Rome, as well as the Day of Russian Students, in the Hall of Church Councils of the cathedral cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, a meeting of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill took place with teachers and students of medical and pharmaceutical universities in Russia. The meeting of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church with representatives of the medical community is organized for the first time. The event, dedicated to the theme “Healing, mercy, faith”, was held as part of the XXVII International Christmas Educational Readings. Before the beginning of the meeting in the Throne Room of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill awarded the director of the National Medical Research Center of Oncology. N.N. Blokhin, Chief Oncologist of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education I.S. Stilidi Order of St. Luke, Confessor, Archbishop of Crimea, III degree. The ceremony was attended by the chairman of the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service , the chairman of the Commission for Hospital Service at the Diocesan Council of Moscow, Bishop Panteleimon of Orekhovo-Zuevsky . Then, in the Red Hall of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the conversation of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill took place with the rectors of medical and pharmaceutical universities. The meeting discussed issues of interaction between the Russian Orthodox Church and medical universities, problems of bioethics, doctor-patient relationships, working out a common position of the expert community and traditional religions on complex issues of modern medical technologies, the position of Orthodox churches at medical schools. During the conversation, the chairman of the Association of the Council of Rectors of Medical Pharmaceutical Higher Education Institutions, the Rector of the First MGMU named after THEM. Sechenov, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), Professor, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences P.V. Glybochko made a proposal to create a Commission on Bioethics with the participation of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church and the medical community. The meeting was attended by heads of educational organizations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation - Rector of the Northern State Medical University, Professor L.N. Gorbatova, Rector of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences LK Moshetova, Rector of RNIU. N.I. Pirogov, Academician of RAS S.A. Lukyanov and others. The conversation was also attended by the Bishop of Orekhovo-Zuevsky Panteleimon and the guests of honor - First Deputy Minister of Health of the Russian Federation T.V. Yakovleva, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Health Protection of the Russian Federation D.A. Morozov, Chairman of the Committee of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Social Policy V.V. Ryazansky, Director of the Department of Medical Education and Personnel Policy of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation T.V. Semenova, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Education and Science G.G. Onishchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation on Social Policy I.N. A. Kagramanyan, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Education and Personnel Policy of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation A.I. Tarasenko and I.A. Kupeeva, Press Secretary of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, MA Radetsky. Further, in the Hall of Church Councils, a meeting of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill took place with teachers and students of medical universities. Bishop of Orekhovo-Zuevskiy Panteleimon and chairman of the Association of the Council of Rectors of Medical Pharmaceutical Higher Education Institutions, Rector of the First MGMU named after M. Semyonov took the places of honor on the stage. THEM. Sechenov, Professor P.V. Glybochko. In the hall were representatives of the faculty corporation of medical universities, residents, graduate students, graduate students, representatives of medical universities in Russia. The event was broadcast on the TV channel "Union". His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the crowd with a word . On behalf of the audience, His Holiness Vladyka was greeted by Professor P.V. Glybochko. Then the Primate of the Russian Church answered the questions of the congress participants. On behalf of the Council of Rectors of Medical and Pharmaceutical Higher Educational Institutions, Professor P.V. Glybochko handed His Holiness the sign of "Mercy". His Holiness Patriarch Kirill donated to each of the participants of the meeting a textbook "Dictionary of Bioethics", published by the Department of Bioethics of the Russian National Research Medical University. N.I. Pirogov. “I would like to wish the help of God to all of you, strength, mental and physical strength, because the path you are taking is not easy, it will require you to give a lot of strength. And in order to do this, in order to be able to give more than accept, you need to be a really strong person and have very correct internal settings that determine the real goal setting. When a person has a clear goal in life and he understands how to go to this goal, then it is easy for him to overcome the difficulties that arise. God grant that the great, bright, important goals that you set for yourself as physicians were carried out, and that your personal life would be carried out in the way of achieving these goals in peace and prosperity. God bless you! ”His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed the students. At the end of the meeting, a solemn ceremony of awarding diplomas to the Association “Council of Rectors of Medical and Pharmaceutical Higher Educational Institutions” of the best students of medical and pharmaceutical universities of the Ministry of Health of Russia for promoting humanism, mercy and volunteering in society followed by a concert.

Through the prayers of the holy Apostle Bartholomew

Through the prayers of the holy Apostle Bartholomew Through the prayers of the holy Apostle Bartholomew print version January 15, 2019 17:12 On December 28, 1998, at a meeting of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, chaired by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II , a decision was made to revive the Baku diocese . At the same time, within the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic, the Baku and Caspian dioceses were established. The ruling bishop of this diocese was determined to become the prior of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin in Baku, the dean of the Orthodox churches of Azerbaijan, Archimandrite Alexander (Ischein) . On January 14, 1999, his episcopal consecration took place in the Moscow Epiphany Cathedral in Yelokhovo . Today, 20 years later, Archbishop Alexander recalls what has been done during this time, and tells how the ministry in Azerbaijan differs. Intevry published in the first issue of the Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate in 2019. - Your Eminence, what tasks did you set for yourself at the time of your appointment as the ruling bishop and what did you manage to accomplish? What accomplishments can you highlight? “As a ruling bishop, my first priority was to keep people in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church, not to allow parishes to close. And then the time was difficult both politically and economically ... In some regions, there was an armed confrontation, and, unfortunately, against this background, many Orthodox believers left the region. This led to the closure of certain parishes. Therefore, the main result is that we managed to defend all our parishes. Not a single Orthodox church, either on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan or on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan or the Chechen Republic, was closed! Moreover, new parishes were opened: the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers in Baku (in Azerbaijan), the temple in honor of the holy Reverend Seraphim of Sarov in Sumgait and the parish in honor of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos in Lankaran. As for Dagestan, a number of new parishes were opened there: in honor of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Izberbash, a chapel in the mountain settlement of Akhty, parishes in settlements of Tarumovka, Talovka, Kochubey, Terekli-Mekteb, Buynaksk and in the village of Bryansk. It was possible to revive Kizlyar Krestovozdvizhensky convent, which was closed in 1918. The most significant for me was the revival of the veneration of the memory of the holy Apostle Bartholomew, who suffered in the city of Albanopol - the current Baku. According to church tradition, the holy Apostle Bartholomew suffered a martyr's demise at the foot of the Maiden's Tower: he was first crucified, and then the skin was still torn off and alive, and his head was cut off so that he could stop preaching the Word of God. Until 1937, an amazingly beautiful chapel in honor of the holy disciple of Christ stood at the site of his martyr's demise. In the years of godlessness, the authorities tried to erase the memory of his exploits and martyr's demise. They demolished the chapel, the place was covered with earth, and then everything was asphalted. But still, believers secretly, at night, came to the foot of the Maiden's Tower and read there akathist to the holy Apostle Bartholomew. It was possible to find a copy of the akaphist, written by Archpriest Sergei Gorodtsov, later Metropolitan of Novosibirsk and Barnaul Bartholomew, and printed with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon . After my appeal to the Government of the Republic, we received permission to celebrate the service at the place of the martyr's death of the apostle. By that time, archaeological work was carried out, as a result of which the preserved foundation of the chapel was found, as well as ancient buildings around the Maiden Tower itself. Every year on June 24, on the day of memory of the holy Apostle Bartholomew, with a large confluence of worshipers, we perform a prayer service with an akathist song to the heavenly patron of Baku. In 2003, part of the relics of the holy Apostle Bartholomew were brought to the city. This shrine resides in the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers. Re-published the Life of the Holy Apostle and Akathist. In 2001, Patriarch Alexy II visited Azerbaijan, who, together with Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kirill of Kaliningrad (now His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia), consecrated the Cathedral of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers after the restoration. Patriarch Alexy visited Baku twice - in 2009 and 2010. There were many problems, but we not only managed to open parishes, but also to build and restore churches. Among them - the cathedral church of the holy great Prince Alexander Nevsky in Ganja, the Assumption Cathedral in Makhachkala, the cathedral in honor of St. George the Victorious in Kizlyar. It is also important that not only parishes were opened, churches were built, but also the fact that we filled them with people. - To what extent do local authorities help the diocese headed by you? - I must say that the diocesan administration has established good relations with both the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the leadership of the Republic of Dagestan. I occasionally meet with the heads of these republics, discuss problems in the life of the Orthodox Church and the Orthodox population of these regions. In 2011, in order to reorganize church life, the Republic of Dagestan was separated from the Baku diocese and entered the newly formed Makhachkala and Vladikavkaz diocese. The Baku diocese was renamed Baku and Azerbaijan. Thanks to these interchurch processes, I had the opportunity to more closely contact the Azerbaijani authorities at various levels and promptly resolve important issues of diocesan life. In Azerbaijan, relations on the “state-religion” line are at a very high level, as His Holiness Patriarch Kirill noted in his report at the Council of Bishops in 2017. Regardless of their religious or national identity, Azerbaijani citizens enjoy the same rights and freedoms. The state responds to appeals of religious communities and provides full support for their activities. For example, with the support of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the State Oil Company has built for us the building of the Orthodox Religious and Cultural Center of the Baku Diocese. Thank God, in Azerbaijan I find understanding from the leadership of the country and support of my activities as the ruling bishop. - Historically, Azerbaijan is in the zone of canonical responsibility of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, Orthodoxy in the country is a minority religion. Can the Russian Church be called the Church of the Diaspora with reference to Azerbaijan? Or are there any representatives of the local population among your parishioners? - Most of the citizens of Azerbaijan are Muslims, and only 2% are Orthodox Christians. Yet to say that we preach only among the diaspora is inappropriate. Diaspora is a special phenomenon in the lives of certain multinational states, where members of minorities live a secluded life and are guided in this life primarily by their internal laws, which sometimes contradict the laws of the state. The Orthodox population of Azerbaijan is concentrated mainly in large cities, in some rural settlements. But we have neither national quarters, nor streets, much less courtyards, where only representatives of the same nationality or religion live. There is such a notion “Baku court yard”, where people of different nationalities of different religions live. They live, respecting each other, one common life. The deceased nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev has remarkable words: “Multinationality is our wealth.” And indeed, our parishioners work and participate in all spheres of state life: in the Milli Majlis (Parliament of the Republic), in the Government of the country, in the Presidential Administration, in security agencies. They work in the education system, in the economic sphere. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to name the children of the Orthodox Church as a diaspora. Our flock lives a full, full life, like all citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I can not fail to note that our flock is multinational. Yes, we represent the diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. But among the clergy and among the parishioners of our diocese there are representatives of different nationalities and nations: Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Greeks, Georgians, Lezghins, Azeris, Jews, Udins, and representatives of other nationalities. - In Azerbaijan today, the efforts of the state to promote the Russian language are very noticeable. How, in your opinion, among the Azerbaijani population is growing interest not only in the Russian language, but also in the culture and history of Russia? What actions does your diocese take in this direction? - I would like to note with pleasure that the leadership of the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the spread of the Russian language. We publish newspapers in Russian, we have TV shows. In the country, not a single school, where teaching was conducted in Russian, was closed. Moreover, the number of such schools is increasing, in many Azerbaijani schools, at the request of the population, the Russian-speaking sector is opening. Many universities teach in Russian. A branch of Moscow State University has been opened in Baku, which is popular among young people. There are bilingual periodicals in which the text is printed in two languages ​​at once: Azerbaijani and Russian. In addition, various events are held in the country dedicated to the promotion of the Russian language. Many people in special programs go to Russia to study. There is a Russian Drama Theater, where performances are held in Russian. We have the warmest relations with the leadership of the theater, and at Christmas we arrange for children a charity Christmas performance by the troupe of this theater. I would like to especially note the successful activity of the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan - the Russian Information and Cultural Center - in the promotion and dissemination of the Russian language and literature, Russian culture. Such annual events as the Republican Olympiad in the Russian language and literature, as well as Pushkiniana, a competition among students for the knowledge of A.S. Pushkin. These and many other events are held by the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan. - Are there in Azerbaijan schools some kind of ORCiSE course? Can a priest or a parish representative come to school to acquaint the younger generation with Orthodoxy? Naturally, this is a cultural aspect, not an attempt at proselytism. - Unfortunately, there is no subject similar to the Russian course “Basics of Orthodox Culture” in Azerbaijani schools. Moreover, religious figures, not only Christian, but also Muslim, do not participate in school education. We often talk about this, as well as the need to introduce the appropriate course as a cultural object, which allows the younger generation to master basic knowledge of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. While the proposals of religious leaders remain under consideration. Nevertheless, there is interest in religion in society, it’s just that this issue is being solved in Azerbaijan on a different plane. Firstly, we have established the International Center for Multiculturalism, which analyzes the current situation in the field of interreligious and inter-ethnic dialogues. At higher educational institutions opened the department of multiculturalism. As part of the educational process, students of higher educational institutions come to our churches to learn about the life of the Russian Orthodox Church, its activities, and Christian culture. Recently, in the temples guided tours for students of secondary schools. The teachers agree with us in advance on the possibility of visiting, after which we conduct excursions, tell about our life and answer the questions of the students. - How is extra-religious service - educational, social and cultural - activity in the temples of the diocese? Are there any projects of a general diocesan scale? - Of course, the life of the parishes of the Baku diocese is not limited only to the walls of the temples and one liturgical activity. At each parish, a certain work of social, educational and cultural orientation is carried out. All parishes help low-income people. At each temple, charity canteens are organized, in which, along with the staff, people in need receive food. In addition, we bring hot meals bedridden home. Monthly we give out food packages to lonely elderly and sick people. The social services of the parishes of the Baku Diocese provide all possible assistance in obtaining lost documents, employment, treatment, and providing legal assistance to people in difficult life situations. Sometimes parishes take on themselves and issues related to the funeral of single parishioners. Great help in the work of social services is provided by volunteers. As for educational projects, then at every church there are children's Sunday schools, where children study the Law of God and church singing. At the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God in Baku, on the basis of a children's Sunday school for more than ten years, there exists the theater “Youths and Daughters”. With the help of this theater, Christmas and Easter shows are organized for the children of our city. A remarkable team exists at the Sunday School of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Baku. Sunday schools, libraries and an Orthodox video club are also open for adults. At the diocesan level, for the coordination of parish activities, the following departments have been created: the Department of Social Assistance and Charity, the Department for Relations with Veterans, the Department for Prison Ministry, youth and other departments. I consider working with veterans very important. We are grateful to the people who brought their lives to the altar of the Fatherland and protected us from the terrible plague of misanthropy. We always try to help them, to give signs of attention. Within the walls of the Orthodox Religious and Cultural Center of the Baku Diocese, festive events are held dedicated to Victory Day and the International Day of Older Persons. The organization of Russian compatriots - the Russian community of Azerbaijan and the ROSNA "Commonwealth" - actively assist us in holding these events. For the past three years, the “Immortal Regiment” campaign has been held in Azerbaijan, organized by the Baku Diocese and the non-governmental organization “Zemlyachestvo of the Cossacks of Azerbaijan”. The Baku Diocese has developed constructive relations with the Representative Office of Rossotrudnichestvo in Azerbaijan - the Russian Information and Cultural Center, with which a number of joint projects are being conducted. Among them it is necessary to mention the children's creativity contest “Earth and Heavenly”, a children's literary contest dedicated to the celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature; charity Easter Bazaar, celebration of the Day of family, love and loyalty. All interested children and adults, regardless of religious or national affiliation, take part in these events. For three years, there is a joint project of the Baku Diocese with the Foundation "Knowledge" under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan to train the Russian-speaking population of the state-Azerbaijani-language. Many Russian-speaking citizens of Azerbaijan are faced with the problem of not knowing the language, and of course, all official, business documentation and correspondence are kept on it. The Diocese provides the necessary premises, and the Foundation is engaged in the selection of teaching staff. It is worth noting that the courses are held free of charge for all comers. After graduating from the course, students take exams and receive a certificate signed by the head of the foundation and me as the bishop of the Baku diocese. One of the important diocesan projects of the Baku diocese is a festive Christmas concert. This was initiated by the national leader Heydar Aliyev, who in the 1990s proposed to more actively celebrate our holidays. Then, despite all the difficulties, including economic ones, it was decided to hold a Christmas concert. The concert has become traditional, and representatives of the Government of Azerbaijan, diplomats, public and cultural figures of the country come to it every year. Most importantly, this concert has become a launching pad for many young talents of our country. Currently, the Baku Diocese together with the Caucasian Muslims Office is preparing a joint project aimed at preventing the manifestation of pseudo-religious extremist views in places of detention. An international conference is planned with the participation of the Synodal Department of the Russian Orthodox Church in Prison Service , representatives of the penitentiary service, the Muslim Board of the Caucasus, clergy of the Baku diocese, etc. - Modern Azerbaijan sees itself as a country between the East and the West, a kind of borderline between cultures. Does the Russian Orthodox Church take this trend into account? - Indeed, as I have already said, Azerbaijan has become a special country between the East and the West, between representatives of different cultures. Various cultural events are held in the capital of Azerbaijan with the participation of different countries. As an example, such contests as “Heat” and “Eurovision” can be cited. The first European Olympic Games were also held in Baku. Every two years we have a humanitarian forum in which politicians, businessmen, representatives of different cultures take part. The chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations , Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, also spoke at this forum. As archbishop of Baku and Azerbaijan, I also take part in it. If we talk about the Russian Orthodox Church, it pays special attention to what we call the “Baku process”. The “Baku process” was launched 10 years ago, in 2008, when a conference of culture ministers of the Council of Europe member states was held in Baku. The Baku Process is an initiative covering various platforms and projects aimed at promoting mutual respect and mutual understanding of peoples and cultures, and dialogue between them. In a situation of growing ethnic, racial, confessional and cultural contradictions, the spread of extremism, the “Baku process” represents Azerbaijan with its multicultural resources and historically established traditions of religious tolerance and good neighborliness as a model of global significance, a bridge of understanding between different cultures. The Head of the Russian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, twice visited our city, took part in the World Summit of Religious Leaders in 2010. The Baku Diocese is an organic part of the Azerbaijani society, and therefore the Russian Orthodox Church has no problems here on the border of relations between different cultures and different civilizations. - In Azerbaijan, the vast majority of the population are Muslims. Is the Orthodox Church facing cases of negative attitudes? How are relations with Islamic spiritual leaders? Are there any joint projects? - As I have already said, representatives of more than 100 nationalities live in Azerbaijan. But this does not create problems, but on the contrary, is the wealth of the country. All relate with respect to each other, to the inner world of a person, to his beliefs. This is the main core of life, and therefore there is no difficulty in the relationship between representatives of different religious traditions. And leaders of religious communities give an example of good relationships with each other. Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pasha-zade has been acquainted with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill for many years. Together with Patriarch Kirill, he is the co-chairman of the Interreligious Council of the CIS countries. They occasionally meet, discuss the problems of religious life in the post-Soviet space. Meeting with the Chairman of the Board of Muslims of the Caucasus, we discuss the issues that exist in religious life, in relations with state structures, issues of social and cultural life of our country. We also occasionally meet with the head of the Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church in Baku, Bishop Vladimir Fekete, and with the leaders of the Jewish communities, Milih Evdaev and Alexander Sharovsky. The main thing in our life is to preserve the purity of our faith and the firmness of our convictions, to maintain good relations with everyone in order to preserve peace and mutual understanding in the land of Azerbaijan. - Does your diocese build new churches, and is there a need for this? “Since the number of the Orthodox population in the country does not practically change, we cannot talk about the active construction of churches.” In Soviet times, there were four active temples in Azerbaijan. During this time we have opened four more parishes, three of which have their own temples. Another parish is developing a new temple project. Our priests go to places where the Russian-speaking population lives compactly, which needs spiritual nourishment. The most important thing for us is to preserve our temples, restore them, support the spiritual life in them at the proper level. Divine services are held daily in the temples of the Baku Diocese, city temples are open throughout the day, clergymen are on duty at these temples. - Does the desire to get an Orthodox theological education, to link your life with the Church, grow among young residents of Azerbaijan? Do you have enough staff? - Our youth are interested in Orthodox theology and in general the content of Christian dogma. At our churches, as already mentioned, there are Sunday schools, where children are taught the basics of Orthodox dogma. If students choose the path of church knowledge for themselves, then they enter religious schools in Russia or other countries. Some of them have already received spiritual education, some of them have already been ordained to holy orders, others are still receiving spiritual education. Unfortunately, those who study full-time are not always returned to us. Thank God that there is a general interest in church disciplines among young people. Personnel, of course, not enough. For example, for a long time we could not solve the problem of the Alexander Nevsky Church in Ganja. In Soviet times, there was always one priest there, in the post-Soviet period, sometimes there was no one at all, we had to send priests from Baku. And now we have managed to establish a normal liturgical life there. There are two priests in the state, a deacon, daily services are held. At Easter and at Christmas two Divine Liturgies are celebrated. As for spiritual experience, our clergy is not only young people. For example, the senior priest of the cathedral, Archpriest Leonid Miltykh, has been carrying out pastoral service in Baku for more than three decades, just as the diocesan confessor, Archpriest George Kip. There are clerics who have been working for 10 and 20 years. Our clergy is solid, and everyone works with great responsibility. - Is youth work carried out in your diocese, and which areas of this activity are considered priority? - For the entire Orthodox Church, work with young people is the most important. First of all, I would like to acquaint young people with our shrines. Sometimes we manage to prepare pilgrimage trips around the Golden Ring, to the holy places of Russia. Several times it was possible to organize secular youth camps, where we also visited young people. Unfortunately, this activity is sporadic, mainly due to material reasons. Sometimes it is possible to organize sports events. But there is one feature. There was an idea to create sports teams for religious affiliation. But we understood that this could later lead to confrontations of another kind. In order for the youth to understand each other, it is necessary that both Christians, Muslims and Jews should be on the same team. Then it will be easier for young people to find mutual understanding. Our task is for the new generations to pass on our spiritual values, our faith, our spiritual experience, to teach them to follow Christ and live the gospel commandments.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Kazakhztan

On January 11, 2019, the Metropolitan of Astana and Kazakhstan Alexander met with the chairman of the conference of the Catholic Bishops of Kazakhstan, the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of the Holy Trinity in Almaty, Almaty-Almaty, the head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of the Holy Trinity in Almaty and Almaty. José Luis Mumbiela Sierra. The meeting was attended by the secretary of the Metropolitan District Honored Artist of Russia O.N. Ovchinnikov, Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov, Head of the District Information Department, Priest Georgy Sidorov, Metropolitan Assistant. The chairman of the conference of the Catholic Bishops of Kazakhstan, on behalf of the Roman Catholic Episcopate, clergymen and believers, congratulated the head of the Metropolitan District on the feast of the Nativity of Christ. Metropolitan Alexander told Bishop José Louis about the celebration of Christ's Nativity in the Metropolitan District and reported on the visit of the Assumption Cathedral of Astana by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.A. Nazarbayev. The hierarch shared his impressions of communication with the head of state, who in the cathedral church of the country warmly congratulated the believers on the holiday and visited the spiritual and cultural center and the museum of the new martyrs and confessors of Kazakhstan. The head of the Metropolitan District quoted N.A. Nazarbayev, with whom he appealed to numerous parishioners: “Thanks to our unity, we have achieved great results in the economy and the growth of the people's welfare. During all the years of independence, I felt the support of Orthodox Christians, and thank you for it. ” Bishop José Luis informed the archpastor about the celebration of Christmas in the Catholic communities of the country. During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on a wide range of issues relating to the role of traditional religions in the life of modern society. At the conclusion of the meeting, which was held in a warm atmosphere, the parties exchanged congratulations on the holiday of Christmas, wishes and memorable gifts.

the Divine Liturgy took place in the temple of the martyr Ignatius of the God-bearer at the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Damascus

On January 7, 2019, on the feast of the Nativity of Christ, the Divine Liturgy took place in the temple of the martyr Ignatius of the God-bearer at the Representation of the Russian Orthodox Church in Damascus. With the blessing of His Beatitude the Patriarch of Great Antioch and the whole East, Bishop Moses of Darai committed it. Vladyka Moses was co-served by a clergyman of the Cathedral of the Antioch Orthodox Church in Damascus, priest Matta Haddad and a representative of the Patriarch of Moscow under the Patriarch of Antioch, Hegumen Arseny (Sokolov) . The temporary charge d'affaires of Russia in Syria, EM, took part in the Christmas service. Kurbanov, abbess of the convent in Maaloule (Orthodox Church of Antioch), Abbess Pelagia (Sayyaf), coordinator of the Russian public organization “Forty forties” AB Kormukhin, President of the Russian Charitable Foundation apostle paul va Lantsev, employees of the Russian Embassy in Syria, as well as children of the Russian Orthodox Church, living in the Syrian capital. At the end of the service, Bishop Moses warmly congratulated the community of the Mission on Christmas. For his part, Abbot Arseny thanked Bishop Moses for celebrating the Christmas service in the Church of the Representation and presented him with an icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov with a particle of the relics of the saint for his prayerful memory. Then, in the reception hall of the Representative Office, a tea party was prepared by the parishioners of the temple.

Employees of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem attended the New Year's reception with the President of Israel

Employees of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem attended the New Year's reception with the President of Israel Сотрудники Русской духовной миссии в Иерусалиме посетили новогодний прием у Президента Израиля print version December 27, 2018 19:03 On December 27, 2018, the Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, Archimandrite Alexander (Elisov) , Mission Secretary Igumen Nikon (Golovko), and the Deputy Head of the RDM, Hieromonk Dometian (Markaryan), attended the traditional reception given by the President of Israel Reuven Rivlin in his residence in honor of the heads and representatives of the Christian Churches and communities of the Holy Land on the eve of the New Year and Christmas. In his welcoming speech, the head of Israel congratulated everyone on the upcoming New Year and Merry Christmas. He stressed his concern for the persecution faced by Christians in neighboring countries of the Middle East. R. Rivlin assured the heads and representatives of the Christian communities of the Holy Land that the state authorities would continue to provide all possible support to the Christians in Israel and never encroach on the property of the Christian communities, enshrined in the status quo. Then, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Israel, Arie Mahluf Dheri, addressed the audience in Hebrew. On behalf of the heads and representatives of the Christian Churches and Communities of the Holy Land, His Beatitude Theophilus III of Jerusalem, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, spoke in reply. He stressed the importance of Jerusalem as a multinational, multicultural and multi-religious center, and noted the need for additional efforts by the President of Israel to preserve the existing status quo, property rights of the Churches and interfaith peace in Jerusalem.

Serbia and Ukraine

On January 5, 2019, in an interview with the TV channel “Temple”, His Holiness the Patriarch of Serbia Irinej spoke in detail on issues related to the crisis of inter-church relations in the context of the actions of Constantinople in Ukraine. The Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church expressed the opinion that the breakdown of relations between the Moscow and Constantinople Patriarchs on the Ukrainian church question on the scale of the possible tragic consequences can be ranked in line with the separation of the Eastern and Western Churches in 1054, which lasts for centuries and does not see any prospects for overcoming still. The Patriarch of Serbia, Iriney, noted that the settlement of the church situation in Ukraine and the resolution of the problem of the Ukrainian split could be facilitated by the holding of a Council of representatives of all the Local Orthodox Churches. However, the Patriarch of Constantinople, not consulting with anyone, but probably being in collusion with some other forces of the world, tried to solve this issue independently and, as we see today, in the most disastrous way, suggesting that the split in Ukraine be legalized and continued. The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church pointed out the paradoxical nature of the current situation, mentioning that the Patriarchate of Constantinople itself had recognized in its time the bans imposed on the leaders of the Ukrainian schism. Moreover, the Patriarch stressed, the question of the canonical status of Ukraine was resolved three centuries ago. As is known, in 1686, the Most Holy Patriarch of Constantinople, Dionysius IV, and the Holy Synod of the Church of Constantinople signed a letter confirming the stay of the Kiev Metropolis within the Moscow Patriarchate. This position persisted for three hundred years, ”His Holiness recalled. His Holiness underlined that today the Ukrainian Orthodox Church , which enjoys wide autonomy, has over 90 bishops in Ukraine, where the majority of the population remained loyal to the tradition of relations between the Ukrainian Church and the Russian Church. His Holiness Patriarch Irinei sees certain political motives in the current actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. If we exclude politics, then the canonical moment is quite clear, ”noted the Patriarch of Serbia, Irinei, expressing confidence that in due time all the Local Orthodox Churches would express an opinion on the situation. We have in mind canonical principles and canonical order, ”Patriarch Iriney said, stressing that the Serbian Orthodox Church does not stand for Moscow or for Constantinople, but for canonical truth. Patriarch Iriney testified that the Serbian Orthodox Church honors the Patriarchate of Constantinople as its Mother Church, wishing that it retain the authority it enjoyed in history. At the same time, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church noted with regret that the current Patriarch of Constantinople with non-canonical actions in Ukraine had questioned his reputation.