October 19, 2018, his Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill took part in the final plenary session of the VIII Congress of the Church in social service “Coordination of social Ministry in the diocese,” according to patriarhiei. The meeting was held in the Hall of Church cathedrals of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.
Church Congress on social service the blessing of his Holiness Patriarch Kirill held annually. In 2018, the Congress was held from 17 to 19 October in Moscow and was devoted to the coordination of social Ministry at the diocesan level. In the conference took part heads of departments of social orientation of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, leaders of social projects of the dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, the main sisters of the clergy and of the sisterhoods of the Russian Orthodox Church, the abbots and social workers of the parishes and Patriarchal representation in Moscow.
Before the meeting, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church prays for the victims of the tragedy in the Kerch Polytechnic College. “In Kerch there was a tragic event. Killed innocent people. This event with great sorrow is experienced by our people. I propose to begin our work with the funeral lithium about those who were innocent victims in this terrible event in the city of Kerch”, — said his Holiness.
Was lifted up prayers for the repose of the souls of the dead novopaschenny of the servants of God, in Kerch innocent victims. October 17 in Kerch Polytechnic College explosions and gunfire, which killed 20 people and more than 40 injured. Among the victims were 15 students and five staff of the College. Some of the wounded are in serious condition.
At the conclusion of the Requiem service, his Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill, Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church charity and social service of the Bishop of Orekhovo-Zuevo Panteleimon and the Minister of health of the Russian Federation V. I. Skvortsova took place in the Presidium of the Congress.
Bishop Panteleimon, opening the meeting, raised the issue of assistance to victims in Kerch: “Your Holiness, bless me to start our plenary meeting. Unfortunately our Congress is overshadowed by this tragic event. Together we prayed for those who died. I must report that Your blessing of the victims visited the priests in Krasnodar Bishop Dionysius Tuapse has visited the hospital where the victims were girls. Here in Moscow hospitals were also our priests — in the centre Dr. Roshal are affected. It’s all minor, with very severe injuries, and, of course, they need all sorts of help. To Moscow with the victims relatives came, and they now take care of our nurses, and social workers, and priests. You, Your Holiness, gave flowers, and wishes for a speedy recovery. And they all ask for Your prayers, Your Holiness. We will continue to help them as best I can, to survive this severe and terrible tragedy”.
Then his Holiness Patriarch Kirill delivered a keynote speech.
Bishop Panteleimon in his speech after the report of the Primate spoke about the development of social service and the work of the Congress.
Further, the Chairman of the Synodal Department for Church charity and social service opened the floor for the welcoming speeches.
Was read out greetings of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, T. A. Golikova, Minister of labour and social protection of the Russian Federation M. A. Topilin.
The participants of the Congress asked the Minister of health of Russia Veronika Skvortsova.
Then his Holiness Patriarch Kirill answered the questions of the participants of the Congress.
At the end of the meeting on behalf of the participants Bishop Panteleimon thanked the Primate of the Russian Church for participation in the final plenary session of the VIII Congress of the Church in social service.
The meeting was broadcast live on TV channel “Spas” and “Union”.