Patriarch Kirill calls on conflict parties in Ukraine to avoid civilian casualties

MOSCOW. Feb 24 (Interfax) - Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has called for civilian casualties to be avoided in the conflict area in Ukraine.

"I call on all parties to the conflict to do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties," the patriarch said in an address published on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church on Thursday evening.

The patriarch said he takes "the suffering of people caused by the events taking place with deep and heartfelt pain." "As the Patriarch of All Russia and the primate of a Church whose flock is located in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries, I deeply empathize with everyone affected by this tragedy," the patriarch said.

"I appeal to the bishops, pastors, monastics, and laity to provide all possible assistance to all victims, including refugees and people left homeless and without means of livelihood," the patriarch said.

"The Russian and Ukrainian peoples have a common centuries-old history dating back to the Baptism of Rus' by Prince St. Vladimir the Equal-to-the-Apostles. I believe that this God-given affinity will help overcome the divisions and disagreements that have arisen that have led to the current conflict," the patriarch said.

"I call on the entire fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church to offer a special, fervent prayer for the speedy restoration of peace," he said.