Russian, Polish prelates call for end to old hostilities
August 17, 2012
The leaders of the Russian Orthodox and Polish Catholic churches have signed a historic statement calling for reconciliation between their peoples.
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Archbishop Jozef Michalik of Przemysl, the president of the Polish bishops’ conference, urged the faithful “to ask for the forgiveness of wrongs, injustice and every evil committed against each other.” They said that mutual forgiveness and reconciliation are essential to “rebuilding mutual trust.”
The joint statement, signed during a visit by Patriarch Kirill to Poland, aims to end generations of hostility between the Polish and Russian nations and between Catholic and Orthodox believers.
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Further information:
- Russian, Polish churches appeal for forgiveness (AP)
- Russian Orthodox patriarch to visit Poland, sign joint statement with Catholic bishops (CWN, 8/14)
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