Russian Orthodox leader speaks out on Ukraine conflict, European secularism

March 11, 2015

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill said that the conflict in Ukraine “does not let me sleep,” and said that Europe is “choking” because of its secularization, in a lengthy interview with Tass.

The AsiaNews service, reporting on the Patriarch’s interview, suggested that it is “part of the broader effort to reaffirm the Church's presence in the secular life of the nation.” The Russian Orthodox Church leadership has been outspoken in defending traditional Christian moral principles, and Patriarch Kirill sounded that theme clearly, warning against “transforming freedom it to something that is arbitrary appears when "there are no criteria of truth."

Regarding Ukraine, the Russian Patriarch underlined that complaint of the Moscow patriarchate that Ukrainian Catholics and Orthodox who have split from Moscow are engaged in the “violent seizure” of parishes from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church allied with the Russian patriarchate. He said that the Russian Orthodox Church would do its utmost to maintain its standing, and defend its “canonical territory” in Ukraine.

Patriarch Kirill declined to comment on the drive by Pope Francis to encourage a frugal way of life at the Vatican, apart from saying that he has “sincere respect” for the Pontiff. He observed, however, that the Orthodox Church is generally seen as more conservative than Catholicism. “It is nice to hear accusations against the Church for maintaining fidelity to its fundamental principles,” he said.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Ukraine, Pope Francis, Charlie Hebdo: Patriarch Kirill releases his first wide-ranging interview with secular media (AsiaNews)