Raúl presents Patriarch Kirill with the José Martí Order
The highest decoration awarded by the Cuban state, was presented to Patriarch Kirill in a ceremony presided by the President of the Councils of State and Ministers Raúl Castro Ruz, at the Palace of the Revolution

Author: National news staff | informacion@granma.cu
february 14, 2016 10:02:27

Photo: Jorge Luis González
The José Martí Order, the highest decoration awarded by the Cuban state, was presented to Patriarch Kirill in a ceremony presided by the President of the Councils of State and Ministers Raúl Castro Ruz, at Havana’s Palace of the Revolution this Saturday, February 13.

Speaking at the ceremony, Homero Acosta, secretary of the Council of State, noted the excellent relations between Cuba and Russia, based on deep bonds of friendship and respect. He stressed in this regard the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has helped to spread the highest values.

“His Holiness has expressed this precious heritage that unites us, since his first visit in 1995,” Acosta stated, whilst recalling the significance of the Our Lady of Kazan Orthodox Cathedral in Havana, the foundation stones of which were laid by the Patriarch himself, together with the leader the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, in 2004. “It is a fitting monument to a Church that promotes dialogue and understanding between peoples,” he said.

We present this decoration, the highest awarded by our country, as an expression of respect and affection for the Russian Orthodox Church, the Russian people and His Holiness, he concluded.

In his acceptance speech, the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia expressed his gratitude to the Cuban people, whilst adding a special personal thanks to Raúl “for placing a high value on my modest efforts.”

Relations between Cuba and Russia have historical roots, but they acquired special significance during the second half of the twentieth century, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church recalled. “We know how bravely the Soviet people worked together with the Cubans in the struggle for justice. That experience of cooperation is part of our historical memory and this special affection of our people for the Cuban people has been preserved.

“I have considered it my duty to support these relations in our society, and do everything possible so that the relations between our states and peoples reach a new level, higher and more active. This is the award for the entire Russian Orthodox Church, because to some extent you have honored all our people, who maintain a deep compassion for your hardworking people,” Patriach Kirill stated.

He recalled the visit by the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro to the former USSR and concluded in Spanish, by means of gratitude to the Cuban people and President Raúl: Viva Cu

Historic meeting between Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill
Havana is once again the scene of dialogue and understanding. Yesterday afternoon, February 12, the leaders of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches held a private meeting and issued a joint statement
Author: Lissy Rodríguez Guerrero | informacion@granma.cu
february 13, 2016 10:02:13

Havana is once again the scene of dialogue and understanding. Yesterday afternoon, February 12, the leaders of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, held a historic meeting, the first since the 1054 rupture within Christianity.
President Raúl Castro Ruz received Pope Francis around 2:00pm at Havana’s José Martí International Airport, accompanied by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and Archbishop of Havana, Cardinal Jaime Ortega.
After an affectionate greeting the two religious leaders held a private meeting and issued a joint statement including plans for joint work.
After the historic encounter, Raúl commented, “Cuba will continue to support peace. Now comes Colombia.”
Pope Francis departed shortly thereafter, en route to Mexico for a pastoral visit, while Patriarch Kirill will continue his activities in Havana through Sunday.