The stated occasion for the meeting is the persecution of Christians in the Middle East by terrorist groups. The attacks are taking place by various Islamic extremist groups who are killing, robbing, destroying churches and looting them.
The attacks are taking place not only in the Middle East, but also in North Africa. In those places, whole families are being murdered and entire towns destroyed where Christians live. Many Christians have also been driven out of Syria, which has many roots in early Christendom.
Although the meeting did not last long, they did agree to work together. They have asked Christians everywhere to pray for peace in the Middle East, the protection of Christians, and the prevention of WWIII.
The meeting had been offered before, but it never came to fruition before today. Kirill is possibly also trying to become a recognized leader in the world, reports the New York Times.
Comments: As a teacher and preacher of the Word of God, it is impossible to miss the fact that it seems that terrorism is unknowingly helping to set up a one-world church. Those who know the Bible know that this is to be expected as the world is getting closer to the time of the anti-christ. We are told that a leader will come who will offer peace.
Of course, while Bible-believing Christians are still here, the antichrist cannot yet be revealed, as is revealed in II Thessalonians 2. It is time to look up, but also to be His witnesses of the completed work of Christ while there is still time! Certainly, Christians do need to be praying for believers who are being persecuted.
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Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article59980766.html
Photo: Unchanged; by Jeffrey Bruno
Keywords: Pope Francis, Catholic, Cuba, Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, persecution, Christians