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
Relics of Venerable Olympia of Fărcașa uncovered in Romania
After the rite of uncovering the relics in the village of Fărcașa, a moleben was served, and Bishop Nichifor spoke about the life of the newly glorified Romanian saint.
One of the UOC’s oldest clerics reposes in the Lord
Archpriest Mykhail Makeev served without interruption at St. George’s Church in the village of Selyshche for more than 60 years, restoring the ancient shrine from ruins.
Thousands join cross procession to Bancheny Monastery
Several thousand pilgrims are taking part in a prayerful procession to the Holy Ascension Monastery on the eve of the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.
Serbian Church Bishops’ Council speaks out in defense of UOC
The hierarchs of the Serbian Church said the rights of UOC faithful are being violated and appealed to international institutions to respond.
EU expresses special solidarity with people of Ukraine on Day Against Homophobia
The Council of Europe and embassies of Western countries decided to support LGBT rights in the warring country.
UOC-KP head: Constantinople recognizes our consecrations unconditionally
“Patriarch” Nikodym stated that the Phanar considers UOC-KP ordinations lawful, while the consecrations of OCU clerics before 2019 were accepted “by economia.”