Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexy II has thanked Pope of Rome Benedict XVI for donating 10,000 euros to the reconstruction of the Trinity Cathedral in St. Petersburg that was damaged in this August's fire.

"I cordially thank you for the donation to the reconstruction of the fire-stricken Trinity (Izmailovsky) Cathedral in St. Petersburg, which is a unique architectural monument," runs a message posted on the Moscow Patriarchate website on Thursday.

Alexy II said he views the Pontiff's contribution to the reconstruction of "the house of God as a sign of sincere love for the Russian Orthodox Church, which, obviously, may be a token of further development of our relations in the spirit of Christian brotherhood and mutual assistance."

"I would like to use this occasion to express my deep respect for Your Holiness and wish God's help to your eminent and conscientious ministry," the Patriarch said.

News source: www.interfax-religion.com
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