His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the archpastors, pastors, monastics and all the faithful children of the Russian Orthodox Church.
"It is with deep and heartache that I perceive the suffering of people caused by the events that are taking place. As the Patriarch of All Russia and the Primate of the Church, whose flock is in Russia, Ukraine and other countries, I deeply empathize with all those affected by the disaster," His Holiness Patriarch Kirill said and called on all parties to the conflict "to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties."
The Primate of the Russian Church appealed to the bishops, pastors, monastics and laity to "provide all possible assistance to all victims, including refugees, people left homeless and without means of livelihood."
"The Russian and Ukrainian peoples have a common centuries-old history dating back to the Baptism of Russia by the Holy Prince Vladimir Equal to the Apostles. I believe that this God-given community will help overcome the divisions and contradictions that have arisen that have led to the current conflict," His Holiness added, calling on the entire fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church to "offer a special, fervent prayer for the speedy restoration of peace."
"May the All—merciful Lord, through the intercession of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and all the saints, preserve the Russian, Ukrainian and other peoples that our Church spiritually unites!" concluded His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.