Patriarch Kirill: attempts to build world order without relying on moral values led to fierce confrontation

Nur-Sultan, September 14, Interfax - Modern-day challenges and attempts to build the world order without relying upon moral values as a pillar have resulted not only in the loss of the notion of justice in international relations, but have also led to severe confrontation and military conflicts, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said.

"Food, energy and economic problems stemming from attempts to build the world order without relying upon moral values have added to the challenges spawned by the pandemic of the coronavirus infection. Over the past two decades, these attempts have resulted not only in the loss of the notion of justice in international relations, but have also led to fierce confrontation, military conflicts and the spread of terrorism and extremism in different parts of the world," Patriarch Kirill said in his greetings to the participants in the 7th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in the Kazakh capital.

The patriarch's message was read out by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, the chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate's Department for External Church Relations.

Today, "it is more difficult for people than ever before to find their way amid the flow of information, to resist ideological hypnosis and to keep a sober mind and inner peace," the head of the Russian Orthodox Church said.

"The possibility of holding dialogue in today's challenging circumstances is quite a valuable resource. It is an important step toward resolving existing problems. I am confident that the peace-making dialogue of the religious leaders along with their influence on people's minds and hearts can and should help overcome present-day challenges, harmonize international relations and establish a just world order," he said.