"Or could it be that the Russian Orthodox Church is looking out for the Orthodox faithful in the MiddleEast."
In Moslem Hamas?
Yes in Moslem Hamas. As a matter of fact in this country probably not far from where you live you will see an Antiochian Orthodox Church, in that Church the roots go back to Antioch, as in Syria. The people who belong to those Churches typically come from the Middle East, meaning Lebanon, Israel, think of George Steanopoulous' sister the nun, Jordan and even Palastine. I even used to go to a Church like this and it was not a problem being that they are in communion with the Russian Orthodox Church. Also, from what I read the Christians over there are scared to death at what is taking placing over there and for me it is good to see the Russians reaching out and giving peace a chance.