Russian Orthodox leader denies being mouthpiece of government policy
October 01, 2014
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The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has denied that he is a mouthpiece for Russian government policy.
Patriarch Kirill’s comment follows a statement by the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church that “the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church is under the influence of state propaganda and transfers it to the religious level. This is very dangerous.”
The patriarch, however, directed his comments primarily to members of Ukrainian Orthodox churches that are not in full communion with the Moscow patriarchate.
“In some countries, and the current situation in Ukraine exacerbates this issue, the person of the patriarch of Moscow and all Russia is linked to the Russian Federation alone, and his principles are equated with the policy of the Russian government,” Patriarch Kirill said. “This is done indiscriminately, especially in Ukraine today by members of, to put it mildly, non-canonical Orthodox entities.”
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Further information:
- Patriarch Kirill denies being vehicle of Kremlin policy (Interfax)
- Leading prelate: Ukraine needs equipment, not foreign troops, to defend itself against Russia (CWN, 9/23)
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Posted by: Gregory108 -
Oct. 02, 2014 8:34 AM ET USA
If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is likely a duck. This patriarch has been relentless and incessant in his support of everything that Putin does. He has supported Putin and his invasions and incursions even in instances where everyone else, except for the Russians, has opposed his actions and felt they were illegitimate. It's hard not to see him as the primo Putin mouthpiece in vestments and mitre!
