"Today, we have every opportunity to re-create the events of that time in an exhaustive and unbiased way. Those who have dedicated themselves to studying history of the Church during the Great Patriotic War also have that opportunity. We appeal to them to be careful and conscientious about the work, and avoid precipitate judgment and mythmaking," the Patriarch said to an ecclesiastical and public conference that gathered in Moscow today under the motto, "For his friends"-an allusion to the Gospel words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jn 15:13).
The younger generation ought to receive unbiased information and "find moral bearings in the past", stressed Patriarch Alexis.
"The Russian Orthodox Church has always regarded defense of its Motherland as a Christian's sacred duty. It has always blessed its faithful flock to feats of martial glory.
"Bled white by cruel reprisals, the Church stayed true to its patriotism, which the thousand-year-long Russian history made sacred."
It was patriotism of the Russian Orthodox Church that prevented the nation from a split in the hour of trial. It buttressed "the unity which all peoples of our country displayed at the time of aggression. Once again, a considerable part of the community received religious and moral support at the fatal time in the bosom of the Church.
"The stance of the Russian Orthodox Church won public sympathy and hearty response, which forced its recent persecutors to change the pattern of Church-State relations and make a step back to the normal as they recognized the Church's right to be part of the community."
There were many priests and nuns who had taken part in the war effort among conference delegates. The Patriarch gave the veterans icons of St. George the Victorious and honor certificates.
