Patriarch Kirill: Part of the Orthodox Churches may fall into schism
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. Photo: altaryvic.ru
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia believes that now in Orthodoxy there is a threat of entire Churches falling into schism due to the influence of forces that have nothing in common with God, reports RIA Novosti.
On January 18, 2022, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church said in a sermon after the Liturgy of Theophany Eve at the Alexander Nevsky Skete near Peredelkino that in the history of Orthodoxy there are examples of how not only some people but entire Churches went into schism.
"So today there is a threat that part of Orthodoxy, under the influence of external powerful forces that have nothing to do with the Church, can be wounded by this sin (schism – Ed.) and go away from the Source of eternal life to that place where there is only ritual but no Salvation," said Patriarch Kirill.
He urged those who hesitate today to think that they are choosing the path to salvation or to destruction. “Brothers and sisters, this is not just a human choice, this is not a choice of where to live, this is not a choice where to go – right or left. This is the path to salvation or to death because the path that leads us away from the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church deprives us of the grace of God,” resumed the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
As reported, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the United States of a crisis in global Orthodoxy.
Read also
OCU chaplain: A soldier should not feel guilty for killing enemies
According to a cleric of the OCU, the word “killing” should not even be used in this context.
AFU servicewoman punished by “being sent to the frontline” for defending UOC
An OCU representative explained how commanders punish UOC believers who defend their Church.
UOC church seized after OCU's and UGCC's provocation at soldier's funeral
Supporters of the UGCC brought the body of a soldier into the church, pressuring a UOC priest to conduct the funeral according to the Greek Catholic rite in an Orthodox church.
UOC hierarch calls on the faithful to pray for the return of seized shrine
Metropolitan Theodosiy urged the faithful to communal and personal prayer to Archangel Michael.
Russian Orthodox Church Primate: Christ did not condemn death penalty
The Patriarch added that, although the Church does not welcome the death penalty, it has never condemned it if this punishment is carried out in accordance with the law.
Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.