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.
Read also
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.
In Finland, Constantinopolitan Church hierarch convicted of fraud
A Finnish court found the former archbishop of the Constantinople Patriarchate guilty of manipulating state subsidies and committing financial violations.
His Beatitude: Pure faith is the only path to soul salvation
On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Primate of the UOC urged the faithful not to tailor faith to human reasoning and passions, and reminded them of the significance of the Ecumenical Councils.