On Christmas Patriarch Kirill urged Ukrainians to preserve unity

07.01.2016, Moscow.

The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill has addressed the residents of Ukraine in his Christmas message, asking them “not to divide in a fratricidal confrontation” and reminded everyone who believes in God that it is necessary to pray for stopping the conflict as soon as possible.

I want to address a special word to the residents of Ukraine today. The fratricidal confrontation which appeared in the Ukrainian land must not divide the children of the Church, sowing hatred in their hearts. A true Christian cannot hate his neighbors, as well as those far away from him,” the Patriarchal address reads.

The Patriarch urged “all children of the multi-national Russian Orthodox Church” to pray “for the fast and full end to the feud in Ukraine” and for the healing of the wounds inflicted to the people by the war – “both bodily and wounds of the soul”. “Let us sincerely ask God of this both at the temple and at home,” he said.

Patriarch Kirill also asked to pray for the Christians who suffer from armed conflicts all over the world and reminded Christ’s words that it is necessary to “love your enemies”. “Let these words become guidance in life for all of us, and let malice and spite towards others never find place in our soul,” the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church concluded.

 

Source: RIA Novosti

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