Patriarch Kirill to Putin: ROC fully supports ‘Special Military Operation’
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church congratulated Putin on Defender of the Fatherland Day, claiming that Russian soldiers ‘contribute to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life in the historical lands of Holy Rus.’
On February 23, 2025, Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) sent a letter to Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Defender of the Fatherland Day, the website of the Moscow Patriarchate reports.
In the letter, he assured the Russian president that Russian soldiers in Ukraine, ‘following the best traditions of their glorious predecessors, stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of the Motherland, protecting its sovereignty and national interests, contributing to ensuring a peaceful and prosperous life in the historical lands of Holy Rus.’
“By fully supporting the participants of the Special Military Operation and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by this confrontation, the archpastors and pastors of the Russian Orthodox Church tirelessly call on the entire society to unite and act, to have firm faith, and to pray for those who protect our country from hostile forces and various encroachments, who defend traditional family and spiritual and moral values, and who ensure Russia's freedom and true independence,” the ROC Primate stated.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture revealed how many churches Russia has damaged and destroyed in Ukraine.
