Patriarch Kirill addresses students of Higher Diplomatic Courses

10/11/2011

On November 10, 2011, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia met with students of the Higher Diplomatic Courses under the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, at the Red Hall of the Church of Christ the Saviour.

Present at the meeting from the ministry were deputy foreign minister A. Borodavkin, Diplomatic Academy pro-rector T. Mozel, heads of the departments and executive staff of the ministry. There were also F. Mukhametshin, head of the Federal Agency for the CIS, Expatriates and International Humanitarian Aid, and V. Pozdnyakov of Russia’s Security Council staff.

His Holiness greeted the gathering and noted that he gave a high value to such meetings. In his address, he spoke, among other things, about inter-Orthodox and Inter-Christian relations, cooperation with international organization, dialogue with the secular authorities in other countries, pastoral care of expatriates in various countries and peace efforts.

Especially urgent is the problem of Christianophobia growing in various regions. According to a number of independent sources, Christians have become the most persecuted religious groups, Patriarch Kirill said, stressing that ‘the Russian Orthodox Church is very much concerned for the growing manifestations hatred towards Christians in the world’.

After his address he answered questions from the audience.

Mr. Borodavkin thanked His Holiness on behalf of those present and noted in particular, ‘We cherish the tradition of meetings with you. For us it is very important to hear from you a pastoral word and edification for our future work’.

DECR Communication Service

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