The close relations between the Serbian and Russian Orthodox Churches, relations between the two states, the memory of Pope Francis, but also the "colored revolution" in Serbia were "on the table" during talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Serbian Patriarch Porfiry, Russian Patriarch Kirill, and Metropolitan Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church of Bačka.
Porfirije, among other things, said that they are grateful for the support and stance regarding Kosovo and Republika Srpska, "and of course Montenegro", because "our people, our Church, are there too".
"I believe and feel that our position regarding Kosovo, Republika Srpska and Montenegro also depends on the position of the Russian state, the Russian Federation on the global level," he said, as reported by N1.
Porfirije also told Putin that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić had told him that he would be in Moscow on May 9th, "regardless of the circumstances in Europe and elsewhere."
"Your Holiness! Allow me to greet you warmly in Moscow, as well as here in these chambers – there is a special atmosphere here. We are very glad to see you. I know that the Serbian Orthodox Church makes a significant contribution to strengthening relations between our peoples, which traditionally maintain the warmest, closest and most trusting allied relations. Allow me to congratulate you on Easter. It is our common bright holiday," Putin said.
He added:
"I have already said that Russian-Serbian relations have always had a special character, and so they do today. This is, among other things, because we are connected by strong, deep, spiritual common roots. We are always glad to see you. On May 9, we expect the President of Serbia (Aleksandar Vučić) in Moscow for the ceremonies marking the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. We know that the situation in the Balkans is not simple, and we are aware of your efforts to strengthen Serbia's position, including the importance of the Council of the Serbian Church that you held. We are always glad to see you. Welcome!"
Porfirije apologized for not speaking Russian well, and said that Irinej would help him.
"Christ is risen! I hope that the Resurrection is our path and our reality, the fact of our faith. This means that victory is known and that it depends on God's will. It is up to us to do what is up to us. I wanted to thank you for everything you do at the level of values. Because the foundation of values – without values, without ideology – not ideology in the psychological sense, as you said, but in essence – it is impossible to live. Everything depends on faith: as we believe, so is our life, our words and so on. You know, you yourself said that the relations between our churches in the past have always been relations of love and mutual assistance between the Russian and Serbian churches. I think it is still like that today… Isn't it?" he asked.
Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church answered in the affirmative.
The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church pointed out that his predecessors were also connected to the patriarchs of the Russian Church.
He and Metropolitan Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church of Bačka quoted the previous Serbian Orthodox Church Patriarch Irinej who said that "a small Serbian boat, sailing in a turbulent sea, should always be tied to a large Russian ship."
"I wanted to say that we feel it and believe it to be true. I must say that you already know this, but it should be said again: the Serbian people look at the Russian people as their own. Sometimes it may seem that the hope that Serbs place is greater in Russia, in Russian politics, than in their own. Perhaps this is a paradox," said Porfirije.
He added that he was in Jerusalem two weeks ago, where, he said, Patriarch Theophilus told him that the Orthodox have one trump card, and that is Vladimir Putin.
On Russia's support for political issues in Serbia; on the desire for Serbia to be in the Russian world; on the "colored revolution"
"It should be emphasized that we are grateful to you for your support and stance regarding Kosovo and Republika Srpska, and of course Montenegro - and our people, our Church are there. You know very well that without your support and the support of China, I don't know what would have happened to Kosovo. I was there for Easter, I served the patriarchal service - it is the seat of the Serbian Patriarch. We ask you to remain in that position and do everything possible. Because - regardless of politics, regardless of people, from the news we have - without Kosovo and without Republika Srpska, I can say, the Serbian people have no perspective," said the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
He conveyed to Putin greetings from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
"He sends you his greetings and told me that he will be here on May 9, regardless of the circumstances in Europe and elsewhere. Our position regarding Kosovo, Republika Srpska and Montenegro, I believe and feel, also depends on the position of the Russian state, the Russian Federation on a global level. My wish, and the wish of the majority in our Church, is that in the future, if there is a new geopolitical regrouping, we will be close to that Russian environment," he said, as reported by N1.
Porfirije said that he had discussed Orthodoxy with Patriarch Kirill.
"It's not easy. There's a revolution going on here too these days. What's it called?" he asked for a translation into Russian.
"Colored (цветной)," Irinej replied.
"The colored revolution - you know that. I hope that we will overcome this temptation, as you said. Because we know and feel that the centers of power in the West do not want the identity of the Serbian people and its culture to develop. Thank you for what you said, and may God grant you strength and wisdom. Our prayers are always with you and I hope that the Lord will help you," concluded the Serbian Patriarch.
Putin responded that the church, and especially the Russian Orthodox Church, deals with identity.
"The Patriarch of Moscow is making a lot of effort to strengthen our traditional values, our spiritual foundations. And every time we meet, we remember and talk about our Orthodox brothers, and this is the position of the Holy Patriarch. I am convinced that he constantly speaks about this in his conversations with you," Putin said briefly.
On the relationship between the Serbian and Russian Orthodox Churches; on the West
Patriarch Kirill expressed his joy that this meeting took place.
"Of all the local Orthodox churches, the Serbian Church is closest to the Russian Church - in culture, in language. And also historically: our countries have never fought against each other, and if they have, it was shoulder to shoulder against others. This love for the Russians, for the Russian people and the Russian Church is organically woven into the culture of Serbia, into the Serbian people. That is why they are our closest friends, our brothers - both in spirit and in philosophy of life. This is of enormous importance: both when we discuss problems together and when we meet at inter-local Orthodox gatherings. The Serbian Church is closest to us. I am not saying this just because the Serbian Patriarch is sitting here today, but because it is truly so," he stated.
If we look at history, the Serbian people and the Serbian Church have never "betrayed Russia," said Patriarch Kirill.
"Some Slavic countries, not to mention them, under the influence of powerful militaristic Western powers, temporarily changed their orientation, and then regretted it, but they changed. The Serbs never changed. This love for Russia, so to speak, may even be genetically instilled in the Serbian people. All of this is strongly reflected in inter-church relations. We are always like-minded. And when discussions arise at inter-Orthodox forums, we always feel the support of the Serbian Church. And of course, I would like to emphasize something else: the Serbs are, of course, more Western than us - that's how the Lord arranged it. This is a Church that faces the West directly, from which it can probably receive and has received a lot of useful things in science and culture. But what is happening today with human morality and ethics in the West - I will say it openly, why should we be ashamed - this is the devil's work," he said.
Porfiry agreed, and Cyril explained why it was "the devil's work," reports N1.
"The devil's goal is for man to lose the difference between good and evil. That no longer exists. There is only an 'alternative behavior'. The Church says: one must not act like that. And the Word of God says: one must not act like that. And modern secular culture says: why not, man is free to act as he wants - that is simply freedom of choice. This approach destroys the moral foundations of human existence, and this can lead to terrible civilizational disasters. Because when the integrity of the human personality is violated, everything then collapses. The Russian Orthodox Church, as you know, stands on these positions and defends them in international forums. But we also need such good allies," he emphasized.
Of all the local Orthodox churches, the Serbian one is the closest to them, Kiril added.
"And Serbia is that country that has never betrayed Russia. I will not mention other Slavic countries that, under the influence of political and military forces, temporarily lost good relations with Russia. Serbia has always remained with us. That is why I am especially looking forward to this meeting today. The people who are here today, at this table – both Bishop Sveti and Bishop Irinej – are truly spiritual leaders of their people. And I know how sincere their feelings are towards Russia and towards you personally. That is why today's event is emotionally very sublime for me – the fact that we all met. I hope that good results will also result from this in the development of relations between the Russian and Serbian churches, as well as between Serbia and Russia," he said.
About Pope Francis
They also spoke about the recently deceased Pope Francis.
"Your Holiness, you mentioned what is happening to the west of us. We know well and we all witnessed your meeting with the Pope of Rome, who left this world in these Easter days. I think this also shows that in the West there are still people, spiritual forces, who strive for the restoration of relations and spiritual revival," Putin said.
Western culture - no matter what anyone says - is based on Christian foundations, the Russian president said.
Cyril praised Pope Francis.
"He was a man of firm views and convictions, despite the great pressure that was put on him – including attempts to cool relations with the Russian Orthodox Church. He is now in another world, so I can freely quote him without his permission. When he was put under great pressure – pardon the expression – he said only a short sentence: 'Don't quarrel with Kirill.' He turned and left. The pressure was exerted by his closest associates: that the course should be changed, that it was not acceptable – because it was connected with Russian politics. That sentence – don't quarrel with Kirill – was constantly in my mind while he was alive. Relations were good. Now the Lord has called him to another world, but the memories of him remain the most beautiful – both in terms of relations towards Russia and towards the Russian Church," described the head of the Russian Church.
Putin added that he has met Pope Francis several times.
"He, quite obviously - I can say this - had sincere and good feelings towards Russia. Considering his Latin American origin and the mood of most citizens of Latin American countries, I am sure that he felt it too and built relations with Russia in a very benevolent spirit," Putin concluded.
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