Russian Patriarch marks Chernobyl anniversary, urges care for environment

(April 27, 2011) The head of the Russian Orthodox Church on Tuesday called for a wiser stewardship of the environment. He called for the safeguarding of the environment while commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Patriarch Kirill said “Man-made disasters, which have been assuming an increasingly menacing scope as civilization is developing, reflect what is happing inside the human soul” He said “It is impossible and not worthwhile to try and stop the development of science and technology. But people will not be guaranteed against tragedies similar to the one that occurred 25 years ago if they do not learn to use natural resources and achievements of civilization wisely, with care for each other and everything God has created.”