The Interfax-Religion website has reported that the Patriarch delivered a speech at the opening of the eighteenth Worldwide Russian National Council in Moscow, in which he stated: “The Russian people is not merely competent, but the prime member of national relations in Russia. Therefore its national interests should not be ignored, but taken into account fully in order to reach harmony with the interests of other national communities.”
The Primate of the Russian Church noted that it is crucial that the elite would achieve the understanding that “the true Russian national identity, based on our cultural and religious traditions, does not threaten the unity of Russia and, moreover, does not threaten the international world. On the contrary, it is the main guarantee of the unity of the country, and friendship between its peoples”.
“The fate of the Russian people, its well-being, its integration, and the maturity of its identity should be recognized as the key factors in the preservation of spiritual and political unity of Russia. Disregarding it today means the destruction of the government, just like planting a delayed action bomb underneath it,” the Patriarch pointed out.
The Primate of the Russian Church also encouraged those present to remember that the main creator of the Russian culture is the Russian people. “The cultural policy of the government should be built basing on the openness of our culture and genuine willingness to welcome people of any nationality to our group,” His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill, noted.
In addition, the Patriarch expressed his opinion that it is also essential to overcome social dissension, and that the wealth gap “between lords and workers” should stay forever in the past, as well as anti-religious persecution, the persecution of people who peacefully express their beliefs, and the suppression of civil liberties are inexcusable.
His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill, encouraged those present to support traditional religions in Russia and racial minorities, which put their efforts into the strengthening of economic, political, and cultural prosperity of Russia.
