THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN 2003 A.D. His Holiness Patriarch Alexy answers questions by journalists of Russian radio stations
3.02.2003 · English, Архив 2002
THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN 2003 A.D.
His Holiness Patriarch Alexy answers questions by journalists of Russian radio stations
On 30 December 2002, His Holiness Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, met with journalists of Russian radio stations. They recorded the Patriarchal Christmas Message to archpastors, pastors, the monastics and all children of the Russian Orthodox Church which was broadcast on Christmas Eve, on January 6. His Holiness the Patriarch answered journalists’ questions.
– What is the situation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the outgoing year 2002?
– In the outgoing year, the Russian Orthodox Church suffered many losses: many archpastors rested from their work and reposed in the mansions of the righteous. At the same time, the church life continues to be established and developed in Russia: churches have been built and restored; life in monastic communities has revived.
We live in the world, and everything that happens in the state tells on the church life. In the out-going year, Russia underwent many tragedies: natural disasters, hostage taking in Moscow, bloody act of terrorism in Grozny… We are well aware of our vulnerability in the face of international terrorism that has struck root not only in the Russian regions, but also in many countries of the world.
Entering the New Year, we hope that it will be blessed, successful and peaceful. We want to believe that the Lord will hear our prayers and grant us peace, harmony and well-being, and will deliver us from the troubles that befell our country in the past year.
– Your Holiness, in your message you reminded the faithful that the next year will be marked by the 100th anniversary of the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Recently, mass media have reported that the relics of St. Nicholas may be brought to Russia. Is this information reliable? What spiritual meaning could it have for the Orthodox faithful in Russia?
– Today, Orthodox pilgrims are going to Bari in Italy to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas. Every year, an increasing number of Russian Orthodox people get the opportunity to go on pilgrimage to this great shrine. However, those who cannot go to Italy ask St. Nicholas for his prayerful intercession, as he is not only the patron of sailors and travelers, but also is the quick helper to those praying to him with faith, trust and hope.
The coming year is marked not only by the 100th anniversary of the glorification of St. Seraphim of Sarov. The 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg, the city of St. Peter, will be celebrated in 2003. I intend to take part in the jubilee events and celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Isaac’s Cathedral. In the past St. Petersburg experienced both the time of prosperity, as it was the capital of the Russian Empire, and the hard time of the Blockade during the Great Patriotic War. However, the city has held out in spite of all ordeals, and during the celebration we will offer up our prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord, Who has preserved the city of St. Peter and its people.
2003 is also the year of the 85th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Imperial Family, and I plan to consecrate the Church-on-the-Blood, which is under construction in Yekaterinburg on the site of the Ipatyev House where the Imperial Family suffered their martyrdom. This majestic church will be consecrated in honor of the New Russian Martyrs and Confessors, and particularly in commemoration of the Imperial Martyrs.
– Your Holiness, thousands of the faithful are concerned over your health and pray to God for your soonest recovery.
– Using the doctors’ language, I can say that I have positive health dynamics. The rehabilitation goes on and will take some time. I plan to conduct the New Year prayer service at the Cathedral of the Epiphany and address the faithful on the occasion. God willing, I will also take part in the Christmas services as far as my state of health permits it.
– Your Holiness, can the consecration of the Church-on-the-Blood in Yekaterinburg, which will be held to mark the 85 anniversary of the martyrdom of the Imperial Family, contribute to the rapprochement between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad?
– I have said many times that we are prepared for a dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad (ROCA). However, not all the ROCA dioceses seem to be willing to have this dialogue. A schism has recently happened in the ROCA because of differences on the rapprochement with the Moscow Patriarchate. Some ROCA bishops are very aggressive towards the Russian Orthodox Church and bring all kinds of accusations against the leadership of our Church to justify their 80-year stay outside the fold of the Mother Church. Nevertheless, we are prepared for a fraternal dialogue, but it should be started from the scratch, without preliminary conditions and mutual accusations.
– Your Holiness, the next year is also marked by the 60th anniversary of the Stalingrad Battle. How will the Church celebrate this event?
– On February 3, jubilee celebrations will be held in the land of Stalingrad to commemorate the first important victory of our troops that had deciding effect on the outcome of the Great Patriotic War. It seems that I will not be able to take part in them, but Russian Orthodox bishops and clergy both in Volgograd and throughout Russia will conduct a requiem service for the soldiers and non-combatants killed in this great battle.
See also: