ROC head on preaching Kingdom of God not patriotism: "First time heard it"

Meeting of the clergy of the Moscow Diocese of the ROC. Photo: patriarchia.ru

On February 11, 2025, during a diocesan assembly of the Moscow Diocese, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, responded to a question posed by Father Alexei Shliapin from Mozhaysk.

Father Alexei expressed his disagreement with the patriotic focus of the ROC, stating: "A priest should lead people to the Kingdom of Heaven, rather than engage in patriotism."

In response, Patriarch Kirill remarked: "How wonderful. This is the first time I’ve heard such a thing. Father, are you by any chance from Western Ukraine?" He then added: "Go sit down and seriously reflect on what you just blurted out."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Kirill called on Russians to be baptized for the sake of Russia’s invincibility.

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