ROC head on preaching Kingdom of God not patriotism: "First time heard it"

Meeting of the clergy of the Moscow Diocese of the ROC. Photo: patriarchia.ru

On February 11, 2025, during a diocesan assembly of the Moscow Diocese, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, responded to a question posed by Father Alexei Shliapin from Mozhaysk.

Father Alexei expressed his disagreement with the patriotic focus of the ROC, stating: "A priest should lead people to the Kingdom of Heaven, rather than engage in patriotism."

In response, Patriarch Kirill remarked: "How wonderful. This is the first time I’ve heard such a thing. Father, are you by any chance from Western Ukraine?" He then added: "Go sit down and seriously reflect on what you just blurted out."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Kirill called on Russians to be baptized for the sake of Russia’s invincibility.

Read also

Head of Phanar has dinner with Muslims at Iftar in Istanbul

Representatives of various minority groups in Turkey attended the event.

In Khotyn, 800 parishioners of another community votes for loyalty to UOC

The Chernivtsi Eparchy emphasized that reports circulating online, claiming that the parishioners of St. Nicholas Church did not express their will, do not reflect reality.

UOC hierarch officiates Divine Liturgy at the Czech Church parish in Prague

Metropolitan Victor arrived in the Czech Republic to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the episcopal consecration of Archbishop Michael of Prague and the Czech Lands.

Media show video of OCU raiders storming the altar in Blahodatne

OCU proponents broke into the Dormition Church after cutting the locks.

Zelensky thanks the head of Phanar for support

The president spoke with Patriarch Bartholomew over the phone.

Yelensky reappointed as head of State Ethnopolitics Service

The official has held his position since December 2022.