The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has visited a Moscow pretrial detention facility where he regaled detainees with the story of former South African President Nelson Mandela in an effort to cheer them up.
During his visit, Patriarch Kirill also presented the detainees with a television and gift packages containing religious books and sweets, Itar-Tass reported Wednesday.
Speaking with the men, most of whom stand accused of having committed serious crimes, the patriarch recalled the fate of Mandela, who spent almost three decades behind bars for his political beliefs.
"I met Mandela when he was released after 27 years in prison. He was a self-disciplined and focused man despite having spent so many years in a terrible South African prison," Kirill said.
Kirill added that prison can destroy a personality, but that it can also be a powerful factor in one's rebirth.
"It all depends on what's happening in our hearts and our minds," Kirill said, adding that only a reliance on God can help human beings become "internally strong, self-reliant and independent."
Mandela, who led South Africa from 1994 to 1999, died last month after suffering from a prolonged lung infection.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
