ecumenism and dialogue" "
The Patriarch of Moscow and all the Russias Alexis II asks for the gifts of strength and courage to enable Russians to come to terms with the painful memory of the child victims of Northern Ossetia. Alexis II makes this appeal in one of the most emotional passages of his traditional message for Christmas that the Orthodox Church celebrates on 7 January, nine months after the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary. “The year we have passed writes Alexis II was not easy for our country. Terrorists have raised their hands against our children, touching the things we hold most sacred, with a madness that is hateful to God. The loss of innocent victims has become our common cross and has caused suffering and tears in the hearts of us all. But at the same time continues the Patriarch this terrible tragedy has demonstrated how deeply rooted are great ideals in our people: in the face of death many people showed an example of brotherly love for their neighbours, according to what is written in the Scriptures: ‘they gave their life for their friends’. Continuing to have courage in such difficult circumstances is impossible without a deep faith in divine Providence… May the Lord help us!”
