Patriarch Kirill: Part of the Orthodox Churches may fall into schism

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. Photo: altaryvic.ru

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia believes that now in Orthodoxy there is a threat of entire Churches falling into schism due to the influence of forces that have nothing in common with God, reports RIA Novosti.

On January 18, 2022, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said in a sermon after the Liturgy of Theophany Eve at the Alexander Nevsky Skete near Peredelkino that in the history of Orthodoxy there are examples of how not only some people but entire Churches went into schism.

"So today there is a threat that part of Orthodoxy, under the influence of external powerful forces that have nothing to do with the Church, can be wounded by this sin (schism – Ed.) and go away from the Source of eternal life to that place where there is only ritual but no Salvation," said Patriarch Kirill.

He urged those who hesitate today to think that they are choosing the path to salvation or to destruction. “Brothers and sisters, this is not just a human choice, this is not a choice of where to live, this is not a choice where to go – right or left. This is the path to salvation or to death because the path that leads us away from the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church deprives us of the grace of God,” resumed the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

As reported, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the United States of a crisis in global Orthodoxy.

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