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
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".