Patriarch Kirill Prays for Ukrainians to Have Strong Orthodox Beliefs

Over one thousand people gathered to see Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church on the square of Kyiv Cave Monastery on Monday.

"We will pray for peace, for combating any hostility, so that the life of the Ukrainian people is peaceful under the protection of the Holy Mother, in Orthodox belief, godliness and purity," the patriarch said, addressing numerous believers and representatives of the clergy.

The patriarch noted he was glad to come to "the holy land of the city of Kyiv, the Kyiv Cave Monastery, to come to the great sacred items of our land that are kept here, in this place."

Patriarch Kirill also said he was glad to bring to Ukraine a Loving Kindness Icon, a supposedly miracle-working icon showing the Virgin Mary.