Moscow hosts the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, where Kirill again brings up the issue of "canonical territories"

Before the meeting, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church delivered an opening speech to the Synod members.

"Today, we have a fairly broad agenda consisting of 20 issues, each of these requiring due attention," Patriarch Kirill said.

"The Holy Synod meets at a time that cannot be called calm," the head of the Russian Orthodox Church continued. "Therefore, the task of the Church, which has always been, is and will always be a peacemaking force, is that through our prayers, our labors, and our positive influence on society, we can relieve existing tension as much as possible and, if possible, influence the easing of conflicts that can lead to unpredictable consequences."

"Indeed, we are going through a very important historical moment, and the Church as a peacemaking force, as a force to which God's Grace is given to pacify people, to strengthen spiritual life, must today strengthen prayer for all countries that make up the canonical territory of the Russian Orthodox Church," Kirill said.