Moscow, November 26, Interfax — The Russian Orthodox Church has promised to continue talks "with authorized organizations in the People's Republic of China in seeking the normalization of the position of Orthodox believers in that country."
"Orthodoxy in China, which has a history of more than 300 years, is still experiencing hard times," Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia said in a letter in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Chinese Autonomous Orthodox Church.
Alexy expressed confidence that "the Chinese Orthodox Church, which has been organized by the efforts of Russian missionaries and adorned by the heroism of Chinese martyrs and the ordeal of many of its believers, will be revived after its sufferings and will shine forth in the grace-filled family of Orthodox Churches."
"And the Russian Church, which became the Mother of the Chinese Church and, half a century ago, granted it independence in the organization of its internal life, will continue to pray for our Chinese brothers and sisters in faith, simultaneously continuing its dialogue with authorized organizations in the People's Republic of China in seeking the normalization of the position of Orthodox believers in that country," the patriarch said.
"I am sure that moves to normalize Orthodox Church life will help to achieve harmony in Chinese society and strengthen mutual understanding, cooperation and good-neighborly relations between the peoples of Russia and China," he said.