Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again sought the “blessing” and support of the Moscow Patriarchate for the ongoing war against Ukraine.
This time, President Putin attended the Divine Liturgy on Christmas Day (according to the Julian calendar), celebrated by Patriarch Kirill at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.
There, after exchanging the customary greetings, Putin asked the head of the Russian Orthodox Church to “bless” crosses that he intended to donate “to all our commanders, those who carry out particularly important duties in the zone of the special military operation to defend the homeland. I believe they will be pleased to receive these symbols of faith, especially ones consecrated by you during the Christmas Liturgy.”
Patriarch Kirill warmly welcomed President Putin, stating: “Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich! Here are crosses and icons of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir, the founder of our state, who defended our homeland with a sword in his hands and continues to symbolize the unity of the Russian land. Furthermore, he is your heavenly protector. I believe this will be especially meaningful for all the soldiers who will receive these icons.”
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church conducted the sanctification of the crosses and icons “in the presence of the head of state,” according to the Moscow Patriarchate’s website.
Notably, according to the same announcement, the initials of the President of Russia will be engraved on individual links of the chains holding the crosses.
Photos: patriarchia.ru
