In his speech, the Patriarch noted noticeable changes in relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Evangelical movement in Russia: "We have managed to overcome the barriers that previously stood in the way of mutual understanding, and have found important points of contact for dialogue and cooperation. Today, the interaction between the Moscow Patriarchate and Russian Protestants is constructive and friendly, aimed at upholding traditional Evangelical values in society... We are of one mind on these important, dire topics."
In his response, Mitskevich addressed the group with 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ‘“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” And I thank God for His mercy, for His grace, for the opportunity to carry out the ministry, for the spread of the Gospel. Glory to God, we have the Bible translated into Russian, the Synodal translation. And after many difficult years, we now have the opportunity to spread the Gospel. On the day of Pentecost, the Gospel sounded in many languages, and today we need to preach in many languages. Because on the day of Pentecost, everyone simply spoke in different languages, but preached. And it is important for us to preach today!’
On the day of Pentecost, people, after listening to the sermon, “were pricked in their hearts, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’” (Acts 2:37-38). And as a representative of evangelical Christians-Baptists, I want to remind you of the goals of our lives: preaching the Gospel and spiritual revival.
There is persecution in the modern world. And we pray for peace. On the day of Pentecost they prayed for peace in Christ, and we must pray for peace in the hearts of people, for peace in families (in Russia this year has been declared the Year of the Family), for peace in churches and for no divisions between believers, for peace between nations. We pray for peace!
The Scripture says that we must not only rejoice but also “weep with those who weep.” God gives peace in the heart, and this leads to joy in Christ, but there are sorrows all around, many challenges today for Christians, and it is important for us to weep with those who weep!
Mitskevich also conveyed greetings from "the son of Baptist Billy Graham - Franklin Graham. “He, like us, wants the sermon to sound in all languages, as on the day of Pentecost, so that every person hears the Gospel!"
The Patriarch, in response to this speech, noted: "You said it very well. And we know how to rejoice. But we do not know how to weep with those who weep..."
The meeting lasted one hour. Various heads of Protestant denominations also spoke: the Head Bishop of the Russian Church of Christians of Evangelical Faith, the Archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia, the Head Bishop of the Russian United Union of Christians of Evangelical Faith (Pentecostals), the Chairman of the Euro-Asian branch of Seventh-day Adventist Church, the president of the satellite Christian TV channel GNC and the TV channel "Good News" Richard Renner.
The following also took part in the meeting on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church: Chairman for External Church Relations, Deputy Chairman, employees of the DECR Secretariat for Inter-Christian Relations.
Building a constructive dialogue between Christians of all faiths is aimed at affirming evangelical values, peace and harmony in society. We praise God for the opportunity to do this work.
Press service of Russian UECB