His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, in his traditional interview on the Russian state channel, has mentioned with a great concern the ongoing religious harassment and fanaticism in the Holy Land. In particular he emphasized his unconditional support for the Jerusalem Orthodox Church.

"We are keenly aware of the plight presently experienced by the Church in Jerusalem," admitted Patriarch Kirill. "We stand by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilus, we support him and will be definitely speak up in defense of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, including its property rights."

"The issue of property concerns several buildings presently in danger of a takeover by Jewish religious radicals. Should this happen, Christian pilgrims will lose the right of way to the church of the Holy Sepulchre."

Patriarch Kirill has pointed at the impending danger of insidiously fanned religious fanaticism, since “the religious wars have ever been a source of suffering for mankind.”

"The Christian idea has nothing in common with any sort of radicalism, inasmuch the main Christian commandment is, 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God and thy neighbor as thyself'," concluded His Holiness. "The Russian Orthodox Church calls for dialogue with representatives of other religions to find a common ground and common approach to what’s going on in today’s world. We hope our exhortation will be heeded by those whom it may concern."