Church tells Russians to adopt children
Source: Agencies |
January 8, 2013, Tuesday
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Print Edition
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THE head of Russia's Orthodox Church urged citizens in a Christmas address yesterday to adopt Russian children after President Vladimir Putin signed a law last month barring Americans from doing so.
The ban retaliates for US legislation designed to punish Russian human rights "violators" which Putin said is poisoning relations.
Orthodox Patriarch Kirill paid special attention to the issue in a Christmas message, lending support to Putin's promises that Russia will take care of its own.
"It is very important for our people to adopt orphans into their families, with joy and a special sense of gratitude to God, giving them not only shelter and an upbringing but also giving them their love," he said.
The number of adoptions by Russian families is modest, with some 7,400 in 2011 compared with 3,400 of Russian children by families abroad - nearly 1,000 of those by Americans.
More than 650,000 children are considered orphans in Russia, including those rejected by their living parents. Of that total, 110,000 lived in state institutions in 2011.
In signing the legislation, Putin echoed Russian lawmaker allegations that American parents who have been accused of abusing their adopted Russian-born children have been treated too leniently by US courts and law enforcement.
He also signed a decree ordering improvements in the care for orphaned Russian children.
The Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar and celebrates Christmas on January 7.
The ban retaliates for US legislation designed to punish Russian human rights "violators" which Putin said is poisoning relations.
Orthodox Patriarch Kirill paid special attention to the issue in a Christmas message, lending support to Putin's promises that Russia will take care of its own.
"It is very important for our people to adopt orphans into their families, with joy and a special sense of gratitude to God, giving them not only shelter and an upbringing but also giving them their love," he said.
The number of adoptions by Russian families is modest, with some 7,400 in 2011 compared with 3,400 of Russian children by families abroad - nearly 1,000 of those by Americans.
More than 650,000 children are considered orphans in Russia, including those rejected by their living parents. Of that total, 110,000 lived in state institutions in 2011.
In signing the legislation, Putin echoed Russian lawmaker allegations that American parents who have been accused of abusing their adopted Russian-born children have been treated too leniently by US courts and law enforcement.
He also signed a decree ordering improvements in the care for orphaned Russian children.
The Russian Orthodox Church uses the Julian calendar and celebrates Christmas on January 7.
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