Patriarch Kirill: Suffering children have a kind of wisdom in their eyes

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who visited the pediatrics section of the Oncology Institute on Monday, said he was always impressed by the eyes of the suffering children as they show a kind of wisdom, Info-Prim Neo reports. “They are little, but already mature. Nobody knows why God sends us suffering, but it is though that the sufferings correct the people’s thinking and dreams. But this does not mean that we must yield to disease. This is the place where these children are treated. Even if the economic situation in Moldova is not very good, this institution is outfitted with all the necessary equipment and has well-trained personnel. It meets all the requirements and standards for treating persons coming here practically without hope,” said the Patriarch. He gave the hospital the copy of the miracle working icon of Athos and an icon representing Saint Panteleimon, who is thought to be curing diseases, as gifts. “We also prepared a roentgen apparatus for the hospital, but were told that you have enough such equipment. We will give it to the Ministry of Health and the authorities will decide who needs it most,” said the Russian official. The hospital’s director Victor Cernat gave the Patriarch a jubilee medal on the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Oncology Institute and a carpet representing Ruler Stephan the Great.