The Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, H.H. Kirill, at the meeting today with the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, in his residence in the Kremlin, Moscow, stressed that he is prepared to invest efforts in resolving the canonic status of the MOC - OA.

According to H.H. Kirill, finding a compromise solution could lead to the settlement of this issue.

- Finding ways to canonize MOC is very important at this time. The canonic status of your church is important because it will secure the Macedonian identity, language and culture, said the Russian H.H. Patriarch Kirill.

The fact that MOC is outside of the family of canonic churches, he said, weakens its position. He, also, recalled that he was part of the efforts to resolve this church issue.

The Russian Patriarch positively assessed the period of twenty years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, noting, among the other things, that the main source of our common history are the brothers Cyril and Methodius. The Russian Patriarch mentioned that they will donate a literary fund to the Treskaevc Monastery.

President Ivanov, conveying his greetings from the Archbishop and the clergy of the MOC – OA, stressed that our church is a living church.

- We are politicians with a mandate, but church issues have no mandate. They are settled in long periods, said Ivanov.

The President emphasized that politicians need to create an atmosphere for communication between the churches and to encourage dialogue towards a solution.

- The Christian virtue of patience should also be taken into consideration by our believers that always church issues, gradually, through dialogue and creating trust result in finding a solution, said the Macedonian President, expressing hope that the meeting with the Russian Patriarch will be an asset to the set dialogue among the churches to offer solutions for the benefit of the believers.

Assessing his second meeting with H.H. Kirill as very constructive and comprehensive, President Ivanov stressed that the Russian Patriarch, like all other Christians, expressed concern about the situation of the Christianity and the Christian values, especially with the Orthodox minority.

President Ivanov, along with his wife, Ms Maya, attended this morning the religious service led by H.H. Kirill in the Dormition Church in the Kremlin, as part of the visit to the Russian Federation, marking 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

During his stay in Moscow, the Macedonian President is to visit Moscow State University "Lomonosov", where, invited by the University, he is to deliver a lecture. The renowned "Lomonosov" University is to award the title of Honorary Professor to President Ivanov.

During the ceremony, President Ivanov is to decorate Mr. Evgeny Suhanov, Head of the Civil Law Department at the Moscow State University "Lomonosov", with the Order of Merit, and Ms. Elena Veriznikova, leading specialist in Macedonian language in Russia, with the Medal of Merit, for their contribution to the promotion of the Macedonian - Russian relations.

During his stay in Moscow, the Macedonian president will visit the Prodekspo Fair, which includes presentation of products of Macedonian companies.