SHOCKED: Geelong Russian Orthodox Church leader Fr Simeon Kichakov last night led a service for peace between Russia and Georgia.Photo: ALISON WYND
Danny Lannen
August 14th, 2008
MEMBERS of Geelong's Russian community prayed for peace last night as the world watched uneasy truce in a conflict between Russia and neighbouring Georgia.
Geelong Russian Orthodox Church leader Fr Simeon Kichakov included special dedication in a service last night.
He said yesterday people were deeply concerned and remained glued to international television news bulletins.
Reports yesterday said a peace plan had been brokered to halt the bloody conflict which escalated when Russian tanks and troops poured into Georgia after a Georgian offensive to reclaim the region of South Ossetia.
Fr Kichakov yesterday hoped protagonists might find a better way.
"The whole thing is of course regrettable," Fr Kichakov said.
"In a civilised world not taking the Christian way of achieving peace is shocking.
"In any conflict in any part of the world there is usually somebody right, somebody not quite right and somebody in the middle.
"The whole world takes a look at it and comments.
"The world, Europe and of course America sees it differently and of course the best way to resolve these things is by peaceful means.
"I don't know what to say, I wish it never took place."
Fr Kichakov said Russian community members were upset to hear words like genocide being used during the conflict.
"There's lots of words we don't hear much in Australia happening," he said.
Fr Kichakov said prayers for peace would be maintained at a service today.
The Geelong Advertiser was unable to talk to any Geelong Georgian community members yesterday.
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