Religion as Blessing: Russian Orthodox Church's Declaration for Upcoming Congress of World and Ancient Faiths
In a society where cultures and religious practices intertwine, the coexistence of Orthodoxy and Islam in Kazakhstan has developed historically and significantly contributes to the country's spiritual dialogue. Father Dmitry, a Hieromonk of the Astana church district, recently discussed the importance of the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, an event initiated by the state to act as an arbiter for religious leaders to discuss global issues.
Father Dmitry believes that all faiths ultimately speak of the need for peace, respect for each other, and preservation of one's own values. He stresses the importance of dialogue among people, as it allows for expression of views without insisting that one is right. According to Father Dmitry, the core of Christian teaching is to love God by loving those around us, and this love extends to seeing every neighbour as the image of God.
Religious practice, Father Dmitry explains, helps individuals pause and hear God's voice within. He compares spiritual practice to caring for the body, emphasizing the effort required for both physical and spiritual health. He views artificial intelligence as a separate dimension of existence, not a threat to faith.
The Russian Orthodox Church is one of the two major religions in Kazakhstan, alongside Islam. According to Father Dmitry, the church feels secure and respected in the country, with priests and imams standing side by side at state events. He interprets a crisis of faith as a call for personal change and growth, rather than a universal failure.
The upcoming congress will invite leaders of the world's major traditional religions, including the late Pope Francis and His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. However, there are no specific search results detailing Patriarch Kirill's role or participation in the event in September 2023.
Father Dmitry hopes that the congress will demonstrate the ability of religious leaders to communicate and listen to one another. He believes forums like the one in Kazakhstan help find a way out of cultural, ideological, and military conflicts and promote human unity. According to him, God created people free, and freedom is synonymous with responsibility for one's actions and choices.
The Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions is distinctive because it is initiated by the state, acting as an arbiter for religious leaders to discuss global issues. Father Dmitry believes that this event plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and cooperation among different faiths, ultimately working towards a more peaceful and unified world.
