Catholic World News

Russia seeks role as protecter of Syrian Christians

October 31, 2013

A group of 50,000 Syrian Christians has petitioned for citizenship in Russia, and the government of President Vladimir Putin may grant their request.

In a message to the Russian foreign-affairs ministry, the Christians of the Qualamun region report that they are “threatened with expulsion from our land.” Noting that Islamic extremists have made them special targets, the Christians praise Moscow’s role in working for peace and stability, and for protection of the Christian minority, in Syria.

Putin’s government has sought to establish itself as a defender of Christianity in Syria, and the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church has stated that the Christians of the Middle East look naturally to Moscow for support.

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