“God protect Moldova and its people,” Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia said at the end of his visit to Chisinau. Before departure, the Russian official gave a short speech, saying that Moldova will go through a difficult period of sociopolitical development and it is very important that the national forces cooperate for the people’s benefit, Info-Prim Neo reports. ”The Orthodox Church that is the mother-Church of the Moldovan people will make everything possible for those who bear responsibility for the people’s lives and the country wish to cooperate in order to provide the people with the support they need and to improve the living conditions. I wish all the people to be helped by God in their personal and family lives and to take part in the change for the country’s welfare,” His Holiness Kirill told the press before leaving Moldova. Prime Minister Vlad Filat, who accompanied the Patriarch at the airport, said after his departure that the discussions they had centered on the situation in the country and the role played by the Orthodox Church in Moldova. “The Patriarch urged us to show wisdom not only in the political activity. It was a necessary message. I understood it and hope the other colleagues of mine also understood it. It was a very important discussion for me that made me realize certain things,” he stated. Vlad Filat also said that they did not discuss bills, but the general present and future situation. “The Patriarch came to deliver a message of peace and welfare to the people in Moldova and prayed for us. I think we should be grateful to him for this,” he said. Acting President Marian Lupu also saw the Russian official off at the airport, but did not make statements for the press. Patriarch Kirill had been in Moldova during October 8-10. He officiated at a liturgical service at the Metropolitan Cathedral, blessed the small Cathedral of the Monastic Complex “Curchi”, and visited the pediatrics section of the Oncology Institute in Chisinau and other facilities of historical and spiritual value. His Holiness had meetings with senior government officials and World War II veterans.