Voice of Russia via Pravmir — 10/7/2013
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has praised the Orthodox Serbs of Kosovo for their courage.
“The suffering that has befallen our Serb brothers in Kosovo and Metochia fills the hearts of the Russian Orthodox believers with pain and grief. The Orthodox population of this territory is demonstrating enormous courage as they remain, amid threats and insults, devoted to the land bestowed by prayers of their righteous ancestors, whose memory lives in numerous churches and monasteries,” the Russian patriarch said at an official reception in Belgrade on behalf of the Serb president, Tomislav Nikolic.
Nikolic talked with the leaders and representatives of local Orthodox churches, and with Catholics and Protestants who took part in the events marking the 1700th anniversary of the Edict of Milan.
The presence of ancient Serb relics in Kosovo and Metochia, and the prayer said there by the men of faith, are saving this land for the future of Serbia, Patriarch Kirill said.
The Russian patriarch also said that the question of real guarantees of the defense of the Serb Orthodox Church’s historical heritage, and the security of the Orthodox Serbs, must become a priority in the political dialogue on the future of Kosovo and Metochia.
Serbia, an advocate of firm traditional values, including family values, is giving a good example to many countries in Europe.
Proof of this is Serb politicians and public figures’ opposition to plans to hold actions in Belgrade popularizing an immoral way of life, he said.
