“The people's sense of unity with the Church”

“Today we must remember all who have supported and helped in the recovery of these icons, including those who in an especially difficult time for our country, during the anti-religious struggle, in the darkest years, protected them, risking not only their jobs, but also their lives, and preserved this wonder down to our day, for those who are present here today and for those who in future will come to the Kremlin, for those who will be able to admire the work of our forefathers and be inspired by the image that protects the city of Moscow, protects the Kremlin, protects us all.
There is truly in this a special meaning, perhaps not yet fully understood, the people’s sense of unity with the Church, the sense of the restoration of justice, of the shared effort for the common good of our beloved homeland.
I am convinced, from the moment of discovery and blessing of these icons, from the restoration of justice, that our country has received an additional protection, which extends to all here present, to all those who pray and who love our country”.


(from his speech in Moscow’s Red Square on 28 August 2010, at the unveiling and the blessing of the icon of the Savior of Smolensk on the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin)