News and Events /RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH LEADER CALLS FOR DIALOGUE BETWEEN RELIGIONS

Addressing the Seminar "Religions and Interfaith Interaction in Contemporary World" at the Russian Centre of Science & Culture, jointly organized with the Embassy of the Russian Federation and Russian News Agency (RIA Novosti), here yesterday, Russian Orthodox Church Leader, His Eminence Kirill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, said that it is absolutely essential now to have intensive dialogue between different religions with common ethical approach.

With an appreciative note on the religious co-existence prevalent in India, H.E, Kirill pointed out that a similar atmosphere has to be found in Russia, too. Drawing a parallel on the existence of different religions between India and Russia, he said that Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are equally popular in both countries. Stressing the need for the Church to provide the society with what it desires, he acknowledged that the Russian Orthodox Church has to understand a lot from the secular society of India. Referring to the crisis-torn period in the wake of disintegration of the USSR, H.E. Kirill said that with the advent of Russian Federation, the Church and the society gathered strength and resurrected. Describing moral value common for every human being, he called upon the peoples of both countries to work together for human civilization.

Earlier, welcoming the elite gathering of spiritual heads, members of diplomatic corps, and others, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, Russian Centre of Science & Culture, said that the visit of H.E. Metropolitan Kirill will give a new impetus to cultural, spiritual and religious ties among the world community in general and between the peoples of India and Russia in particular.

Stressing on the imperative of religious harmony to live in peace with one another, Very Reverend Father M. S. Sakariah Ramban, Secretary, Delhi Orthodox Diocesan Council, said that we stand at a historic moment when the Christian theological traditions must take full account of societies as well as of the convictions of those who are newly stimulated by the broadening religious plurality and the surroundings.

Hailing Indo-Russian contributions to inter-religious harmony, peace justice, His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Metropolitan of Mumbai Diocese, underscored the noble and spiritual services of His Eminence Kirill to humanity. He said that the Indian Orthodox Church is committed to have a permanent space for people of all faiths to come together and enjoy and celebrate the blessings of God.

Laying stress on religious tolerance for a welfare state and peaceful society, Swami Gokulananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, said that a bundle of doctrines and dogmas has never satisfied the deep spiritual urge of the people, but rather, we should give every person freedom to choose his own path, from his childhood, remove the obstacles to his growth and leave him grow according to his nature.

Appreciating the gesture of Russian Centre of Science and Culture in promoting a noble cause of religious interaction, Dr. Doboom Tulku, Director, Tibet House, underlined the unique phenomenon existing in India in highlighting the secular credentials based on ancient traditions.

Tracing the origin of Christianity in the country, particularly following the visit to Kerala by St. Thomas, Dr. P. C. Alexander, M. P. (Rajya Sabha), pinpointed the salient features of Orthodox Church closely and broadly co-existing with people of other faiths in the country in the larger interest of peace and tranquillity. He lauded the substantial contributions of Russian Orthodox Church being made to development and prosperity.

Narrating the long-drawn evolutions undergone by the Russian Orthodox Church, Prof. Arun Mohanty, Dialogue of Civilizations, welcomed peoples of all faiths to cooperate with the organization and engage in permanent dialogue.

Laying stress on inter-faith interaction, Df. Zafar Mahmood, President, Interfaith Coalition for Peace, O.S.D., Prime Minister's High-Level Committee, made a strong appeal to the followers of all religions and faiths to work together for strengthening religious tolerance, mutual respect and peace, thus not only enhancing human dignity, but also joining the chorus in praise of God.

Presenting his concluding remarks on the Seminar, H.E. Mr. Vyacheslav I. Trubnikov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, observed that the impressions shared by a galaxy of personalities from different religions acquired momentous dimensions to religious tolerance and co-existence in today's strife-ridden world. He noted that the foundation stone of the Russian Orthodox Church laid by H.E. Kirill at the Russian Embassy premises, the first of its kind in India, will fulfil the spiritual needs of the community. He added that the visit of H.E. Kirill to India has given a new impetus to the spiritual, cultural and religious bond among peoples of different faiths and beliefs of Russia and India.