His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the heads of metropolitans, His Grace the archpastors of dioceses caught in the flood zone, the clergy, the faithful children of the Russian Orthodox Church and all those affected by the flood.
"I am watching with great concern the development of the emergency situation caused by large-scale flooding in the Urals and in several regions of Siberia. As a result of the rampant elements, thousands of residential buildings and farms, Orthodox churches and social infrastructure facilities were flooded, tens of thousands of people not only lost their shelter, but also lost their food," the Patriarchal address says.
"I sympathize with you with all my heart, my dear ones, and I pray for an early end to this unprecedented natural disaster," His Holiness noted. — I know that the clergy and laity strive to support the victims in every possible way, help with the evacuation of residents, organize the delivery of clean drinking water and bread to those who are cut off from land by large water, who are in temporary accommodation. I am also aware of cases when, showing courage and zeal for God, the clergy and laity made attempts to save valuable church books, ancient icons and sacred utensils from flooded churches."
"May the Lord strengthen bodily strength and bless volunteers who show true Christian love, mercy and solidarity," His Holiness Patriarch Kirill called and said that he had instructed the Synodal Department for Church Charity and Social Service to "provide all possible support to the victims." "I hope that the social departments of the dioceses will also continue their important work to help all those in need," the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church stressed.
"The magnanimous Lord of Heaven and earth, the Generous Creator, from Whom everything is, by Him and to Him (Rom. 11:36), may He tame the water element, may He help those working to overcome the consequences of the catastrophe and have mercy on all of us," concluded His Holiness.
The Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia