The Russian Orthodox Church has started a solidarity aid campaign, gathering funds for fellow orthodox Greece, which has been plagued by a severe financial crisis.

Russian Patriarch Kirill has blessed the collection of donations in all orthodox churches across Russia.

Thursday Patriarch Kirill met with chair of Greek conservative party New Democracy Antonis Samaras and expressed the "deep compassion that Russians feel for the Greek people in this time of trial."

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church also praised the efforts of the Greek Orthodox Church in raising funds to help the most needy in Greece.

Kirill further assured that an extensive network is being established between Russian charity organizations and the Greek Orthodox Church to help alleviate the situation in the debt hit country.

Greece's debt is estimated at EUR 360 B, and fears that it might default are still rampant, in spite of two rescue plans implemented by the EU and IMF.