Air strikes on Homs are 'holy war against terrorism' says Russian Orthodox ChurchAir strikes on Homs are 'holy war against terrorism' says Russian Orthodox Church

The Russian Orthodox Church has backed the country's parliamentary decision to give President Vladimir Putin permission to use military force in Syria, saying the fight against terrorism is a "holy war", ibtimes informs.

The head of Synodal department for church and society, Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, told journalists on 30 September that the decision from the upper chamber of parliament, the Federation Council, to authorise air strikes in Syria was "consistent with international law, the mentality of our people and the role that our country has always played in the Middle East", according to Interfax news agency.

He added that Russia cannot be indifferent while Christians and other minority groups are being destroyed in the region. The interreligious council of Russia released a statement in support of military operations against terrorism in the Middle East. "The fight against terrorism is a holy struggle and today our country is perhaps the most active force in the world to combat terrorism," the priest said.

Under the Russian constitution, the president needs parliamentary approval to legally use the military outside of the country. Putin last sought such authorisation before annexing Crimea in March 2014.

Russian jets bomb rebel positions in Syria including rural areas near the north-western town of Jisr al-Shughour, a day after launching air strikes.