Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow wants to link his personal destiny and the entire Russian Orthodox Church, of which he is head, to Kremlin policy. After declaring the Russian and Ukrainian war as a “metaphysical battle” against the “forces of evil,” he ignored the calls for peace. He kept a distance or, at least, neutrality, which came from many different quarters, from Pope Francis, who engaged with him in a risky dialogue, to the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew of the Orthodox Churches.
The question arises if Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is the “sith” behind Russia and Ukraine war.
The Role of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in the Russia and Ukraine War
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, which claims around 150 million faithful worldwide, mainly in Russia, multiplied the sermons supporting the Kremlin’s offensive in Ukraine. On February 27, a few days after the Russian invasion, he supported the war calling it a fight against the “forces of evil” opposed to the historic “unity” between Russia and Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow is one of the pillars of Putin’s regime. Calling the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the power to fight the “external and internal enemies” of Russia showed that Kirill advocates conservative values in the face of a West presented as decadent, like Vladimir Putin.
Pope Francis and other popes from different quarters called for peace through real negotiations but could not succeed.
The Orthodox religion has gained strength and widespread popularity during Putin’s regime because of his efforts to restore the importance that the Orthodox religion lost in the Soviet era. Being the third largest Christian communion, Orthodox Christianity has nearly 260 million followers worldwide, of which around 100 million follow Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.
On the one hand, the views, and thoughts of such an influential personality are flaring up the conflict leading to regrettable consequences. On the other hand, a new schism has been created between the various churches that followed the patriarch.
In Ukraine, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox still under his jurisdiction – Metropolitan Onufriy and many other Ukrainian priests have decided to break with guardianship of him. Like other war supporters, Kirill was subject to sanctions by the European Union and other international community countries, which, for example, prohibited him from traveling.
When, in September 2022, Vladimir Putin jointly announced the annexation referendums in the occupied Ukrainian territories and partial mobilization in Russia, people wondered if the Russian Orthodox Bishop would distance himself from it or even criticize it. However, none of this was the case.
On the contrary, Kirill once again endorsed the justifications of the Kremlin through the glorification of the “sacrifice” of the Russian soldiers, who would see their sins forgiven and the resumption of the theme of the “Russian world,” adding the apocalyptic and mystical tone he is characterized by. In fact, this escalation corresponds, on his own record, with the verbal escalation of many Russian politicians in recent days.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, Patriarch Kirill has favoured the war from the start and has even blessed Kremlin’s weapons and troops sent to Ukraine. Every word of his reflects Putin’s speeches, calling the conflict an extended cultural clash between Russia and Western liberal values. Instead of calling for a ceasefire and condemning the killing of innocent Ukrainians, Kirill called the war necessary to save Christianity and even blessed the Russian troops. The consequences could keep getting worse if his word continues to be listened to with respect by the Russian population.
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