Patriarch Kirill to Putin: ROC fully supports ‘Special Military Operation’
Putin and Patriarch Kirill regularly exchange holiday greetings. Photo: ROC website
On February 23, 2025, Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) sent a letter to Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, the website of the Moscow Patriarchate reports.
In the letter, he assured the Russian president that Russian soldiers in Ukraine, ‘following the best traditions of their glorious predecessors, stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of the Motherland, protecting its sovereignty and national interests, contributing to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life in the historical lands of Holy Rus.’
“By fully supporting the participants of the Special Military Operation and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by this confrontation, the archpastors and pastors of the Russian Orthodox Church tirelessly call on the entire society to unite and act, to have firm faith, and to pray for those who protect our country from hostile forces and various encroachments, who defend traditional family and spiritual and moral values, and who ensure Russia's freedom and true independence,” the ROC Primate stated.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture revealed how many churches Russia has damaged and destroyed in Ukraine.
Read also
Court to choose preventive measure for Met. Arseniy in Dnipro on December 5
The prosecutor demands that the detention of the UOC hierarch be extended.
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy delivers 20 tons of food to Kyiv Theological Schools
Believers of the UOC eparchy collected vegetables, grains, and oil for KDAiS students.
Pashinyan forbids priests to mention Armenian Church head during services
The Prime Minister of Armenia publicly confirmed that state structures demand that Catholicos Karekin II be not commemorated during services attended by the politician.
Pope and Slovak President discuss consequences of war in Ukraine for Europe
During the meeting, the Pontiff and the Slovak President discussed the international situation, with particular attention to the war in Ukraine.
UOC monastery in Kniazhychi faces imminent takeover – lawyer
A UOC lawyer has reported a risk of the forcible eviction of the brethren of the Transfiguration Monastery on the morning of December 5.
Orthodox Church in Czech Republic faces threat of losing special rights
The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic has initiated administrative proceedings against the Church amid the bankruptcy of the Prague Diocese.