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His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: May God grant us that no human circumstances ever destroy the main thing in Orthodoxy – our unity in Holy Communion
On 23 May 2010, after celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition in the Laura of the Holy Trinity and St. Sergius, the Primates of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople and Russia took part in fraternal repast.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill addressed His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and his suite, saying:
"We have a colossal responsibility and should go forward as one family witnessing before the world, though in a weak voice, the truth without which the world cannot exist. That is why we are so happy to have you with us today. This is not just a protocol visit. We perceive it on quite a different level, as we put all protocol things aside and have only our common prayer before God's altar, our mutual love, and our sincere faith. We believe that the Lord will condescend to our weakness and imperfection and support us in our zealous ministry to the Holy Orthodox Church and the entire world.
"The apocalyptical mood has developed in our time. Many people are shocked by the developments in the modern world, in human morals and culture. Many are shocked by the achievement of science and technology. Indeed, the world has become very complex, and many people think of the end of history. We understand that no one can know when this end comes, but we must do anything possible to proclaim God's truth to the world.
"A novice once came to his elder and saw him digging in his garden. He asked him: 'Why are you doing this?' The elder answered: 'To have fruits.' Then the novice asked a very dangerous question: 'Father, had you known that the end of the world will be tomorrow and the Lord will come, what would you do?' The elder answered: 'I would be digging in my garden.' This is what the Church is called to do, in spite of all difficulties in life. The more we cooperate, the stronger will be our voice. May God grant us that no human circumstances ever destroy the main thing in Orthodoxy – our unity in Holy Communion. We shall bring our witness to the world through this unity.
Your Holiness, I greet you and your respected companions with love and joy. May the Lord keep you from any evil and grant you spiritual and bodily strength for many and good years!"
Patriarch
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