02 June 2006, 16:07
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=1519
Alexy II appreciates work of Taize ecumenical community with youth
Moscow, June 2, Interfax - Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia has said the Russian Church is willing to continue cooperation with Taize, a world-renowned ecumenical community.
'We know that you have given a special attention to work with youth. Young people are facing many temptations, especially in our time. There have always been temptations but they are too many today', the patriarch said on Friday during his meeting with the prior of the community, Brother Alois, in Moscow.
Alexy II noted that the Russian youth have taken part in events held by the Taize community, stressing that the Russian Orthodox Church, just as before, is open for dialogue and cooperation with it.
The primate expressed hope that during his first visit to Russia Brother Alois would see for himself 'the revival of church life after 70 years of atheistic education', which, according to the patriarch, is seen by the Church as 'a miracle and God's grace.
Patriarch Alexy also extended to the prior his condolences over the death of the founder of the Taize community and its former prior Brother Roger, the Orthodox Encyclopedia church research center has reported.