Moscow, April 21, 2013
A letter addressed to the head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow patriarchate Metropolitan Ilarion of Volokolamsk has been received from his Grace Patriarch John X of Antioch and all the East. In his message the head of the Orthodox Church of Antioch expressed his gratitude for humanitarian aid for Syrian people which, on blessing of his Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia, had been collected in Russia by the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, reports the Communication Service of the Department for External Church Relations.
"We regard this action as a manifestation of solidarity and brotherly relation to us in these difficult times,” says his Grace Patriarch John in his message. “Undoubtedly, you are helping our compatriots who are deprived of their homes to cope with their current terrible circumstances. Syrian people are asking the Church for help and we are working hard in order to give the people all necessary humanitarian aid and to ease their suffering. We also thank you for your unwearying prayers".
Collection of humanitarian aid took place from March 31 to April 12, 2013. For that time the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society with the Russian Orthodox Church's involvement collected about 70 tons of humanitarian aid: flour, sugar, salt, cereals, medicines and dressings. Medicines and medical equipment are to be obtained for donations received for that period which were equal to over 3 million rubles.
The airplane with the first part of humanitarian aid arrived to Syria on April 14. The remaining part of the humanitarian aid will arrive to Syria before the end of the month.
