Lithuania bans Patriarch Kirill from entering the country

The Republic of Lithuania has banned the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, from entering the country because of his support for Russia's aggression in Ukraine, reports BNS with reference to the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry.

"Patriarch Kirill, Vladimir Putin's closest associate, is one of the most active supporters of the war against Ukraine, who has repeatedly publicly expressed positive views on the ongoing Russian aggression," the publication cited the foreign ministry as saying.

In Lithuania, Patriarch Kirill was added to the list of undesirable persons on June 23, 2022, but Vilnius announced it publicly on July 27, 2022.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church will not be able to visit Lithuania until June 23, 2027, writes BNS.

As reported, Patriarch Kirill received the ruling bishops of the Luhansk and Rovenky eparchies.

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