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
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.