Patriarch Alexius II, the current Patriarch of Moscow and of All-Russia and the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, yesterday expressed support for the Serbia’s position on unilateral declaration of Kosovo independence.

Addressing a news conference in Moscow, the Patriarch Alexius II said, “Over many years we expressed solidarity with the Serb people, and we support these days Serbia’s stand of non-recognition of self-proclaimed Kosovo independence, as that territory is the land sacred to the Serbs.”

“There are so many shrines, monasteries and temples on Kosovo land. We, certainly, commiserate with the suffering of the Serb people,” said the 16th Patriarch of Russia.

Patriarch Alexius II conveyed warm congratulations on the coming Easter holiday to all Orthodox Christians residing in Serbia, to Patriarch Pavle, “and, particularly to those who live in Kosovo and in Metohija, who need spiritual support.” the patriarch said, “They see temples being destroyed, their lives are in danger,” remarking bitterly, “Life is hard in hostile surroundings.”