Patriarch Kirill: Russians are called to be "warriors of the Lord"
Patriarch Kirill. Photo: Delfi
Patriarch Kirill, the head of the ROC, stated in his address at the plenary session of the 26th World Russian People's Council that the calling of Russians is to be "warriors of the Lord," as reported by the Moscow Patriarchate's website.
According to Patriarch Kirill, Christians do not fear the end of the world but rather await the coming of Christ, who will destroy evil and judge all nations. At the same time, the Patriarch emphasized that this expectation should not be passive.
"This hope does not mean we should sit idly by, silently watching events unfold and allowing evil to triumph," said the head of the ROC. "On the contrary, our earthly calling is to be warriors of the Lord and, as the Apostle says, to wage battle against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12), to resist evil, and to uphold high moral ideals. This is Russia's mission, as they say, in its external focus."
The Patriarch also warned of several threats to the existence of the "Russian World." He identified these threats as alcoholism among Russians, the presence of migrants, and the war that Russia is waging in Ukraine.
Additionally, the Patriarch addressed the issue of the rise of neo-paganism in Russia.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Kirill discussed whether soldiers who have killed in the "Special Military Operation" should receive Communion.
Read also
TRC officers mobilize rector of UOC parish in Radisne
Archpriest Mykhailo Bilokin was detained on his way to a service in the Kamianske Eparchy, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Metropolitan Onuphry consecrates Annunciation Church in Bukovyna village of Ostrytsia
Thousands of faithful from the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC gathered for the service in the newly consecrated Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos.
U.S. delegation visits St. Sophia of Kyiv ahead of peace talks
Zelensky took the U.S. negotiators to St. Sophia of Kyiv.
Rescuers urge Hasidic pilgrims in Uman not to perform rituals in local quarry
The State Emergency Service warned Hasidic pilgrims in Uman about the dangers of ritual immersion in a flooded quarry that is not equipped for swimming.
UOC Social Department provides food packages to 100 displaced families
In Kyiv, 100 internally displaced families received food and essential supplies from the UOC Social Department.
Third Armenian judge refuses to hear case against Catholicos
A third judge has refused to hear the case against the head of the Armenian Church and six bishops, with the case materials sent to the Court of Cassation.