ROC helped the region in Italy to receive funds to combat COVID 19

MOSCOW, 25 APR – RIA Novosti. The Russian Orthodox Church helped the Italian province of Puglia to receive from benefactors masks and disinfectants to combat COVID-19 reported Saturday on the website of the Department for external Church relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

“with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of the Department for external Church relations came into contact with Orthodox businessmen living in Switzerland, who at his own expense, organized the delivery of medical masks different levels of protection, thermometers, medical gowns, disinfectants and other daily necessities from China. The cargo arrived from China to Switzerland and from there was sent by truck to Italy, where he was received on 24 April,” – said in the message.

it is Noted that earlier the Governor of Puglia, Michele emiliano addressed the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill with a request to pray for the Christian community of the region. Also the Governor, “given the deep friendship between Puglia and Russia the name of Saint Nicholas”, invited Patriarch Kirill to ask “representatives of the Russian government and the Russian business community to provide all possible assistance.” A speech in the letter, in particular, was about protective masks, protective gowns, or screens for the face.

In the city of Bari in the Italian region Apulia, there are the relics of St. Nicholas of Myra, who was brought to Russia in 2017.