August 13, 2008

 

Beloved Patriarchs Alexei and Ilya,

Though your efforts to prevent armed conflict between Russia and Georgia have received little attention in other countries, we have followed them as we have been able, including Patriarch Ilya's proposal in April in which he noted the potential "role and authority of our churches to prevent the escalation of tensions and help restore good bilateral relations."

Sadly, despite work for peace by both of you, Russia and Georgia entered into armed conflict. Many have died, not only soldiers but innocent people. Many of our Orthodox brethren have blood on their hands.

More recently, with the conflict at its height, there was the cease-fire appeal made by Patriarch Alexei, which included these words:

"Today blood is being shed and people being killed in South Ossetia and my heart deeply laments over it. Orthodox Christians are among those who have raised their hands against each other. Orthodox people, called by the Lord to live in fraternity and love, confront each other."

What a sin and a scandal it is to see these armies shedding each other's blood. That such an event can happen is a poignant reminder of how often, among Orthodox Christians no less than others, national identity easily takes priority over our common identity as children of the One God.

We hope to see you both standing side-by-side in continuing efforts to promote peace between the Russian Federation and the Democratic Republic of Georgia, to collaborate in healing the deep wounds left by this tragic conflict, and to bear witness in unity to the Gospel of Christ's Peace, who called us to love, not slay, each other.

We write on behalf of members of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship who reside in countries around the world.

 

Jim Forest                                                        Alexander Patico

International Secretary                                   Secretary for OPF in North America
Orthodox Peace Fellowship

 

Orthodox Peace Fellowship Web Page