The message reads, in part:
“Since its founding, the Society has played a special role in strengthening Russia’s spiritual ties with Middle Eastern states, preserving the historic, cultural and moral values characteristic of Orthodox faiths, and supporting pilgrimage to Christian sanctuaries.
To achieve these noble goals, the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society has been involved in serious educational, research and charity activity. Thanks to the Society’s efforts in the Holy Land, Orthodox churches and monasteries have been built, along with schools and hospitals; archaeological and archaeographical expeditions have been organised, and unique books and periodicals have been published.
It is gratifying to see that these selfless traditions are now being taken further. Thanks to the Society’s diligence, Russia is expanding its presence in the Holy Land. The Society is also recovering some properties that used to belong to it and is engaged in some large-scale humanitarian projects.
And of course, the dedication of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society to defending the human rights of Christians in the Middle East and aiding the people of Syria deserves the highest recognition.”