Russian Influence In Syria Grows, Patriarch Kirill Invited To Visit

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), Patriarch Kirill, has been invited to visit Syria by Muslim religious leaders and the religious affairs ministry there.

If a visit does take place, Kirill is expected to visit Maalula, a Christian village where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.

The Mufti of Moscow, Albir Krganov, told Interfax he had been told the visit would be "important for the support to the Christians".

Krganov said an initiative to create an inter-faith Syria support foundation under the aegis of the Russian Public Chamber, a consulative body created by President Vladimir Putin, was also under discussion.

"We are currently considering a consolidated collection of humanitarian aid for Syria through civil society efforts and representatives of the traditional religions," he said.

The ROC, which is increasingly dominant in the Orthodox world, has donated funds to the Syria-based Patriarchate of Antioch to help with humanitarian relief because of the conflict.

Russian support has been crucial to the survival of the Assad regime, which has relied heavily on its military aid in its campaign against rebel forces. Russia's President Vladimir Putin sees the regime as vital to its interests in the region, not least because Russia's only Mediterranean naval base, at Tartus, is leased from Syria.

News
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations
Conservatives urge incoming Archbishop to drop £100m slavery reparations

Should church funds be used for slavery reparations? A group of Conservative MPs and peers think not.

What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?
What if the Good Shepherd is closer than you think?

Pastoral care is not a task reserved for a handful of gifted individuals; it is the life of Christ, quietly at work inside ordinary believers.

Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension
Anglican Mainstream sees monthly growth despite web hosting suspension

Conservative Christian website, Anglican Mainstream, was surprised to see visitor numbers rise after being forced to relocate its website hosting after GoDaddy closed its account.

Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities
Missionary turned soldier in Ukraine balances faith with harsh frontline realities

A former missionary who is now serving as a soldier in the Ukrainian army has spoken about the realities of faith for a man tasked with killing in defence of his country.