There's hope for Christians in Donald Trump, only in Trump.
This latest expression of faith in the U.S. President-elect came from Russia, specifically from Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In a recent interview with Russia Today, Kirill said Trump is the only American politician who has given Christians, including Russians, hope in ultimately defeating terrorism, specifically the barbaric Islamic State (ISIS) group.
The Russian religious leader said that although he doesn't know Trump personally, he has been encouraged by his strong stance against terrorism.
"Based on what Mr. Trump said in the course of the election campaign, we can see that he does have the intention to establish a dialogue with Russia, including first and foremost when it comes to combating terrorism," Kirill said.
The Russian Christian leader lauded Trump, saying no other American politician has given Christians such hope that the U.S. President-elect is providing.
"There was no hope in what others were saying, while Mr. Trump's words give us hope," he said, referring to Trump's stated commitment to combat Islamist terrorism worldwide.
Kirill pointed out that Christians in the Middle East have already endured so much suffering due to terrorism. He noted that Christians are disappearing rapidly in Syria and Iraq because of the ISIS campaign of genocide and the resulting exodus of these Christians to foreign shores.
Kirill said what the ISIS is doing to these Christians is more than a crime against a group of people adhering to a certain faith.
"The Middle East is the birthplace of Christianity, and of Christian culture. Which is why killing Christians or driving them out of the region isn't just a crime against religion and against human rights and freedoms: it is a civilisational disaster," he said.
Kirill expressed optimism that if the nations currently battling ISIS forces in Syria and Iraq are determined to wipe out terrorism, "if that stated objective is their only true goal and there's no hidden agenda, then it shouldn't be a problem for us to join efforts and work together."
He then likened the situation now to what happened during World War II when world's powers united to defeat Nazi Germany. If they were able to do that then, then they should be able to defeat ISIS, he said.
"All that is left to us as Christians is to pray and, of course, work together with everyone, so that all the nations involved realise that collaboration is instrumental," Kirill said.
