Patriarch Kirill: The politically influential head of the Russian Orthodox Church • FRANCE 24

Born Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyayev, Kirill has been the sixteenth patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church since he was enthroned in 2009. He has attracted international scrutiny with open declarations of support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022.
#Kirill #Russia #Ukraine

[lukaszslowakiewicz]

Question: If Putin was a KGB Colonel and Kirill a KGB Major - if they meet - who confess one's sins to who?

[UraStr]

funny how "turn the other cheek" can turn into supporting an aggressor in a war

[michaelstorto]

exactly...the ideal Patriach of the Orthodox Church having been a KGB agent...doesn't it say all ???

[henrybartholomew]

Church and politics should never interfere

[nillnick]

It is surprising that when criticizing Russia, its critics forget to criticize themselves

It looks like he's going to pull a weapon out of that sceptre.

[monklast]

Look at his hands, baby soft, never worked a day in his life. This man knows nothing about life.

[Zoltar]

Its not a sacrifice if you're not willing to fight.

[hanssiegel]

He dresses for Halloween everyday. Asks for tricks or treats from Putin. License to control cigarette monopoly helped finance his wardrobe.

[juancastillo]

Finally, it’s about time they expose this false prophet.

[Nick-zryo]

His concern is the preservation of the Orthodox church which has had its issues lately with the breakaway of the Ukrainian Orthodox church. But I can't reconcile how they justify invading another primarily Orthodox country. The people being killed have relatives in Russia.

[Caseshells]

Old style warrior pope not religious but political. This needs to change

[volvowithlazers]

The Russian model of tying people to the land seems to have destroyed individualism over time. The flawed collective practices of the russian historical narrative omits the fact the russians dont do the dying in wars. It is analagous to US adventurism using poc only for troops or first nations as conscripts. That would never fly in most countries but does in russia. Orthodoxy, chauvinism, and ego are the defining aspects of russia hence it is messed up.

[kickinghorse]

"If I governed a nation of Jews, I should rebuild the temple of Solomon. Religion is excellent stuff for keeping common people quiet."
- Napoleon Bonaparte

It does seem problematic that a former KGB agent (Now called "Kirill") is the head of religious affairs for millions of people.
One reason St. Thomas More is venerated as such is due to his refusal to bend to the will of King Henry VIII. Earlier, Thomas Becket was murdered by Henry II's knights. The two were close friends - but Thomas was eventually executed for refusing to bow to the will of the King.
(Both Thomas's were killed by both Henry's. I'm sure there's an irony in there somewhere to be found. )
Anyhoo . . .
Politics and Religion - especially among leadership - might best remain separate in order to avoid conflating the will of men with "the will of God."

PS - "There is no such thing as a former KGB man."
-Vladimir Putin

[malcolmabram]

"Yes the time is coming that whoever kills you will think they offer God's service." Jesus Christ.

[annied]

Do you have to feature this character???

[magnacarta-uszs]

Few weeks back the archbishop of nato archdiocese went on apostolic visit to the EU vassal state of Ukraine.

[mpat]

Blessings for Patriarch Kirill and the Orthodox church in Russia and worldwide, prayers for unity with the catholic church soon.

[thanhmansour]

Kirill is doing his bit for Russia, so no one really blames him. As for Putin, he's lost in his own madness. I don't think God is Russian.

[SadieMage]

Poor Francis of all people would say that😂 💀