ROC rep: Patriarch’s words on forgiveness of soldiers’ sins cause confusion
Metropolitan John of Dubna, in a declaration signed by the hierarchs of the Archdiocese of the Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe, expressed "a deep concern" with the words of Patriarch Kirill's sermon. The text of the declaration is published on the website of the Archdiocese.
The bishop explained that the reference was to a sermon which spoke about "a metaphysical struggle for the right to stand on the side of light, on the side of God's truth" and thus justified the military intervention in Ukraine.
Metropolitan John then appealed to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and urged him to "do everything possible to put an end to this terrible war which is dividing the world and sowing death and destruction".
The statement also refers to a sermon in which Patriarch Kirill said that "if someone remains faithful to his calling and dies while performing his military duty, he is undoubtedly performing an act tantamount to sacrifice ... and this sacrifice washes away all the sins that man has committed" (sermon of September 25, 2022).
According to the Metropolitan of Dubna, these words of the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church were received with great pain and confusion.
As reported, the Archdiocese of the Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe called on Patriarch Kirill to condemn the war.
Read also
Hearing in Lower Lavra case postponed again due to judge’s illness
The session of the Northern Commercial Court of Appeal was scheduled for March 5, 2026.
OIDAC Europe report includes attack on Sviatohirsk Lavra
The international human-rights organization OIDAC Europe mentioned an attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra in its report on hate crimes against Christians in Europe.
Hate crimes against Christians on the rise in Europe, report says
The Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe reported 39 incidents targeting believers, churches, and religious symbols.
British Christians oppose idea of dresses for boys at school
Christian organizations have criticized a statement by the UK’s education minister suggesting that boys should be allowed to express their gender identity in primary school.
European Parliament hosts gender-identity class for schoolchildren
A session on gender identity was held in the European Parliament building for children aged 12–13 – participation was mandatory, and parents had no option to refuse.
Swedish MEP submits “mosque ban” motion to European Parliament
A proposal has been introduced in the European Parliament to clamp down on the construction of new mosques in EU countries. The initiative was backed by 37 politicians from 17 states, who cited the risks of radicalization.