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Putin and Patriarch Kirill: Holy Christmas under severe criticism
Patriarch Kirill I led the Christmas service in Moscow and criticized Western morality. Putin was also present.
Putin and Patriarch Kirill: Holy Christmas under severe criticism
A solemn Christmas service took place in Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral on January 7, 2025, at which Patriarch Kirill I took over the office of worship leader. During the ceremony, Russian President Vladimir Putin also arrived, who, at the Patriarch's request, blessed special pectoral crosses and icons for military personnel. These crosses are engraved with Putin's initials, underscoring the close connection between church and state. In his Christmas speech, Kirill once again criticized the Western world, which, in his opinion, could not understand Russia's moral values. He called on believers to follow the commandments of the Gospel and prayed for blessings for the fatherland, the president and the soldiers, as Kathpress reported.
The role of Cyril I
Patriarch Kirill, who was elected head of the Russian Orthodox Church in 2009, has repeatedly tried to strengthen the Orthodox Church and unite Russian society during his time in office. His political closeness to Putin is undeniable, as he often emphasizes the role of the church as a moral authority in current Russian politics. Kirill has repeatedly advocated a return to the Orthodox religion in schools and campaigned for the return of nationalized church property. Critics accuse him of neglecting his true role as a spiritual leader in favor of political ambitions, which has damaged his credibility within and outside the Russian Orthodox community, as Wikipedia documents.
Particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict, Kyrill's role is becoming increasingly controversial as he justifies Russia's military actions and points to the supposed threat posed by Western values. This positioning has caused tensions within the Orthodox community and further fueled criticism of his connection to politics.
This current situation of the Russian Orthodox Church and the personal entanglements of the Patriarch illustrate the complex relationship between religion and politics in Russia, in which Cyril plays a key role.