Patriarch Kirill: The unity of the Orthodox countries to ensure their strong positions in the world

Minsk, September 25, Interfax – The peoples of Russia, Byelorussia, Ukraine and Moldova should maintain their Orthodox unity, in particular, for the purpose of occupying important positions on the international scene,” Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia believes.

“It is necessary to realize that Byelorussia, Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova belong to one civilization based on the common Orthodox faith,” Patriarch said.

According to him, commitment to common heritage will allow “to foster national cultural identity of our peoples and ensure their real sovereignty.”

“While discussing sovereignty lately, I have always added the word “real”, for there are many countries in the world that consider themselves sovereign, but fail to act – in particular, on the international scene – in full compliance with their national interests,” Patriarch Kirill said.

He thinks that “spiritual and cultural identity and common interests of our peoples will help the Orthodox countries – including those within the canonic territory of the Moscow Patriarchate – to gain their coordinated and strong position in a dialogue with the surrounding world.”

“In particular, in a dialogue which would highlight that such countries have a real national sovereignty,” Patriarch Kirill said.

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