Greetings by Bishop Savvaty of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan to the Participants of the International Scientific Conference “Eastern Christianity on the Silk Road”

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

 

I extend my greetings to the participants of this international meeting, uniting representatives of traditional Christian confessions and the academic community. Christianity in Central Asia has a long and millennia-old history. Through the material and spiritual-cultural exchange facilitated by the Silk Road, the Christian faith enriched the peoples living here with its spiritual and cultural heritage, leaving behind numerous historical monuments and testimonies of invaluable experiences of positive interethnic and interfaith dialogue, as well as remarkably fruitful cooperation among the local inhabitants.

 

It is commonly believed that Rus’ was Christianized in 988, although, in reality, this process spanned a millennium. When Saint Prince Vladimir baptized the people of Kyiv in the waters of the Dnieper, some of the peoples of Russia were already part of the Christian Metropolis. Here, in what is now modern Kyrgyzstan, there was also a Christian Metropolis: the Nevaket and Kashgar Metropolises. Today, Nevaket is an ancient settlement located 20 kilometers from Bishkek, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is visible when traveling along the bypass road from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul. In Nevaket, the Assyrian—or Eastern—Church developed with rich Christian traditions, closely related to Orthodox practices. We know the names of many Christian clergymen from the East: Saint John of Merv (Turkmenistan), the Bishop of Karavansarai (Tajikistan), the Bishop of India, the Bishop of China, and the Metropolitans of Nevaket and Kashgar. Indeed, Kyrgyzstan holds many Christian holy sites yet to be fully studied. For example, at the Suayb settlement near Tokmok, where the Burana Tower stands, remains of a Christian church and a Buddhist monastery were discovered. The site also revealed Christian tombstones, including not only Nestorian ones but also those bearing six-pointed crosses, suggesting that travelers adhering to Byzantine or Armenian branches of Christianity may have visited this settlement along the Great Silk Road.

 

When Islam became the dominant religion in Asia, various cultures continued to coexist peacefully. In the East, a neighbor is considered a friend, a brother, a source of support. For example, during the reign of Tamerlane, the production of wine was forbidden, in accordance with the Quran. However, Christian clergymen were permitted to make wine, as it was necessary for the Divine Eucharist. Notably, Tamerlane transported relics of the holy prophet Daniel to Samarkand, recognizing their sanctity for Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike.

 

There were periods in history when the number of Christians in Asia was comparable to that of Western Europe. The traditions of the Silk Road, by and large, fostered respect for people of different nationalities and religious beliefs.

 

The Russian Orthodox Church, as a legitimate successor and representative of Eastern Christianity, has demonstrated numerous vivid examples of piety and genuine spiritual labor by its clergy, monastics, and laypeople on the lands of Central Asia. They revealed the profound depth and beauty of the Gospel teachings to the local peoples through their daily spiritual exploits of true and often sacrificial brotherly love, bearing witness to the incomprehensible and immeasurable love of Christ. Thanks to their efforts, the Russian Orthodox Church, throughout its rich history on Central Asian soil, has earned deep respect and high regard from both authorities and the common people. This invaluable heritage is carefully preserved and continues as a good tradition among clergy and devout laity.

 

At this current stage of civilizational development, we are witnessing a global trend aimed at altering the deepest foundations upon which society has stood for millennia. We observe attempts to introduce new values and principles foreign to traditional ones, capable of destroying families, communities, and even entire states. It is particularly important to note that these destructive forces are often directed at youth, who lack a solid foundation of priorities and values. Modern civilization was built, strengthened, and developed over millennia upon the unshakable truths of the Bible, and rejecting these truths leads to its inevitable downfall. In this regard, the blessed efforts to spread the truths of the Gospel are more important and necessary than ever!

 

Clergy and laity of the Orthodox Church, together with all progressive-minded individuals from state structures and public organizations, share concerns over the modern global trend of numerous attempts to distort historical truths, present new and often outrageous interpretations of well-known events, and radically reassess them. This trend aims to change centuries-old traditions of warm neighborliness and cooperative relationships among peoples, to destabilize previously stable regions, and to sow discord and division among people, paving the way for new radical forces and destructive groups pursuing their own selfish interests.

 

For the continued spiritual and comprehensive development of Central Asian states, as well as the preservation and strengthening of peace and friendship among the peoples living here, the positive experience of previous generations is of great interest and demand. This priceless heritage is not only carefully preserved and studied by the Russian Orthodox Church but is also passed on to younger generations in all its beauty and fullness, calling on them “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

 

Dear organizers, participants, and guests of the conference! From the bottom of my heart, I wish you good health, strength, and successful and fruitful participation! May the insightful presentations, constructive dialogues, and debates enrich all of us with new examples and ideas for creative and effective work! May the good spirit, joy of fellowship, and warmth of this meeting leave an indelible impression and a bright trace in our hearts, so necessary for all of us!

 

Thank you for your attention!