Posted on 09/01/2013 8:14:25 PM PDT by marshmallow
Moscow (AsiaNews) - The concern for the fate of Christians in Syria , where " extremist forces aim to completely destroy Christianity ", the signs of a possible "normalization of worship for Orthodox believers in China " ; dissatisfaction in the field of theological dialogue with Catholics, but the "amazing results " in the common work on moral and the social values . In an interview with AsiaNews , Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk , Head of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Relations, tackles the main "foreign policy" themes of the Russian Orthodox Church and also focuses on the internal situation in Russia, where - he says - the much- criticized law against homosexual propaganda should be taken as a model by Western countries , which instead by favouring homosexual unions are heading towards "certain death ."
The situation is dramatic is Syria, what is the Russian Orthodox Churches' view of this conflict?
The situation in Syria deeply troubles us. This armed conflict has been going on for some time now. I would not term it a civil war, because I believe that it is a case of a struggle between diverse states in the territory of a third State, and very often the armed groups , which some call the opposition , are actually composed of foreigners, fighting with foreign money .
What concerns the Moscow Patriarchate most?
What worries the Russian Orthodox Church most of all is the fate of the civilian population and that of the Christians. It is clear that the extremist forces seeking power have set themselves the goal of the complete and total destruction of Christianity in Syria. And if they take power, even temporarily, the Christian population will be eliminated or driven out from their lands and their churches will be destroyed. We have repeatedly expressed......
(Excerpt) Read more at asianews.it ...
His concern should be our concern
Who are we to judge?
Prayer for Peace in Syria
God of Compassion,
Hear the cries of the people of Syria,
Bring healing to those suffering from the violence,
Bring comfort to those mourning the dead,
Strengthen Syria’s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees,
Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms,
And protect those committed to peace.
God of Hope,
Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies,
Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria,
And give us hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Prince of Peace and Light of the World,
Amen.
Petition: For the people of Syria, that God may strengthen the resolve of leaders to end the fighting and choose a future of peace.
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