The head of the Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday visited Russia's easternmost monastery on the Pacific island of Sakhalin.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia visited the Protection Monastery in the town of Korsakov as part of his tour of the Russian Far East.
"Here, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, in Russia's Far East, you realize the significance of spiritual outposts, God's churches," Kirill said.
Hundreds of Korsakov residents and 12 clergymen welcomed the patriarch, who was accompanied on the visit by Deputy Presidential Administration Head Alexander Beglov and Sakhalin Region Governor Alexander Khoroshavin.
Addressing Sakhalin residents, the patriarch said: "The fact that the entire country is behind you geographically, that you are the first to see the sunrise, should make you realize your important mission: you are the first to begin prayer in Russia, and your prayer is then taken up by the entire country."
KORSAKOV (Sakhalin Region), September 21 (RIA Novosti)
