Despite ongoing discussions stemming from the 25th Congress of the World Russian People’s Council regarding the “Russian world” doctrine and its implications, the 26th Council further cemented the close relationship between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Kremlin. The meeting also underscored the Church’s support for the political leadership’s aspirations.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow chaired the meeting of the 26th World Russian People’s Council held on November 28, titled “The Russian World: External and Internal Challenges.”
In his address, Patriarch Kirill highlighted the “unique model of interaction between Church and State,” emphasizing its pivotal role in preserving cultural and spiritual values.
“When we speak of Orthodoxy as a traditional faith, we underscore the Church’s role as a vital custodian, transmitting these values from generation to generation through its doctrine, prayer, and the shaping of people’s thoughts and beliefs. This makes the Church an indispensable bearer of these values,” he stated.
“Today, our country enjoys an unprecedented model of Church-State interaction. This model fully ensures the Church’s ability to safeguard and pass on its values to future generations.
The current form of cooperation is something previous generations could only dream of. The Church lives freely, without external interference, while the state respects its mission.
This harmonious collaboration extends to educating children and young people, as well as fostering the spiritual and cultural climate of the nation. Together, we aim to reinforce the values essential for preserving the identity and authenticity of our people. Losing these values would mean losing our ability to defend both ourselves and our homeland,” Patriarch Kirill added.
In his previous remarks, Patriarch Kirill contrasted his earlier focus on the challenges facing the “Russian world” with his current emphasis on its most critical threats.
“Among the external threats to the Russian world, the most pressing today is the ongoing military operation. The tragic escalation of the fraternal conflict between Russia and Ukraine is being constantly fueled by well-known external forces, employing the age-old strategy of divide and conquer,” he stated. Notably, Kirill avoided addressing the fact that the conflict began with Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine in 2014, starting with the annexation of Crimea.
Patriarch Kirill attributed the war to the actions of “external forces” and framed it as a broader cultural and spiritual clash. “Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are perceived as a thorn in the side of the Western world because of the values we hold, which form the foundation of our spiritual and cultural identity,” he claimed.
Kirill went -once again- even further, offering a justification for the conflict, framing it as a defense of these values. “These values are now being heroically defended by our soldiers fighting in the special military operation zone,” he said, effectively blessing the war that has ravaged the region for nearly three years.
The Patriarch also placed the blame for the conflict on the Western world, accusing it of being unwilling “to recognize the right of other cultures to their identity and independence.” He added, “This is evident in the relentless escalation, which threatens to evolve into a direct collision between two worlds.”
Patriarch Kirill hastened to express gratitude to God for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s measured response to provocations, praising his calm demeanor. “Thank God, President Putin, aware of his responsibility, is exercising wise prudence and composure in the face of cynical provocations, while continuing to progress toward the established goals: protecting the legitimate and justifiable interests of Russia and the Russian world,” he stated.
Addressing the topic of nuclear threats—often voiced by the Russian president—Kirill remarked that fueling fear with apocalyptic scenarios or speculating on nuclear issues lacks spiritual merit. He urged Christians not to fear the so-called “end of the world,” emphasizing a higher calling: “We await the Lord Jesus, who will come in great glory to destroy evil and judge all nations. However, this does not mean we must allow evil to triumph. Our earthly mission is to be warriors of the Lord, fighting against evil forces. This is Russia’s goal.”
The Patriarch also touched on societal challenges, particularly the issue of alcoholism, which he described as a harmful stereotype. “For centuries, false narratives about Russians’ supposed propensity for drinking have been perpetuated and ingrained in public consciousness. This is untrue! The Russian people have always been hardworking and responsible. Without these qualities, it would have been impossible to build a nation like Russia,” he declared.
Furthermore, Kirill extended his gratitude to President Putin for fostering a cooperative relationship between the state and the Church. “I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our President for the direction our political leadership has taken toward collaboration with the Russian Orthodox Church, for developing a genuine dialogue and meaningful partnership. May this course continue to lay the foundation for our country’s future progress and for even more dynamic and fruitful relations between the Church and the State,” he concluded.
Photos: foto.patriarchia.ru / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
