The social work of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is most evident in Moscow, should be extended to all regions of Russia, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said on Rossiya 24 TV news channel.
"I hope that the experience of Moscow - and Moscow in this regard is in first place in general in the country and throughout the Church - will be expanded to the whole Church," the patriarch said in an interview broadcast on Sunday.
As Russia celebrated Easter, Kirill went to a church boarding school for orphans and praised the nuns for their work with the children.
He said the Church needed to more social work, in part to help meet "the internal need of believers to do good," and said a system should be established to further such efforts. He admitted that things might not develop as quickly as desired.
"I must say that today people are doing a lot, but across the country it is not very noticeable. We must strive to ensure that the social work of the Church carries considerable importance right across the country," Kirill said.
The Russian Orthodox Church has enjoyed a revival since the fall of communism, and 3.5 million people attended Easter services overnight. Since becoming patriarch last year, Kirill has given new emphasis to making the Church more inclusive, particularly by reaching out to young people.
MOSCOW, April 4 (RIA Novosti)
