Patriarch Kirill, Patriotism, and the Kingdom of Heaven
Gathering of the clergy of the Moscow Metropolis. Photo: Moscow Patriarchate website
At the annual diocesan assembly of Moscow, one priest had the courage to declare that "the duty of a priest is to lead people to the Kingdom of Heaven, not to engage in patriotism." To which the head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) responded:
"How wonderful. This is the first time I’ve heard such a thing. Father, are you by any chance from Western Ukraine? Go sit down and seriously reflect on what you just blurted out."
And the entire hall erupted in laughter and applause.
The patriarch’s words – and even more so, the reaction of the audience – are worthy of lamentation and sorrow.
How low must religious consciousness sink for someone to question that the primary duty of a pastor is to help people attain the Kingdom of Heaven?! This courageous priest – who will most likely face serious punishment – merely spoke what Christ, the apostles, and all the holy fathers have repeatedly proclaimed. And yet, the head of the ROC claims this is the first time he has heard it?! And the entire clergy of the Moscow Eparchy applauds him for dismissing it?!
Whom, then, does the ROC serve? To which kingdom does it lead its faithful children?
Let us give thanks to God, who placed at least one priest among this mockery of the Gospel and the Holy Fathers, one who was not afraid to witness to God's truth!
In this lies hope – in this lies the seed of repentance for those whose minds have been clouded by the intoxication of patriotism amid this brutal war, leading them to violate God’s commandments.
There is one more important point to note: Patriarch Kirill implied that only a priest from Western Ukraine would speak about the Kingdom of Heaven. By this, the patriarch undoubtedly meant all of Ukraine, not just the western regions.
Thus, unintentionally, Patriarch Kirill confirmed that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) truly leads its faithful to the Kingdom of Heaven – that it teaches them what Christ Himself commanded:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Amen" (Matthew 28:19-20).
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