In brief
- Patriarch Kirill presents Russian aggression as a divine, metaphysical struggle.
- This new publication justifies the war with themes such as patriotism and sacrifice.
- The lifting of EU sanctions causes uproar as the leader becomes increasingly militant.
After the European Union removed Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill from the sanctions list, the church leader released a new publication in which he continues to justify the use of conflicts for political purposes. The book, titled 'War. Beyond visible causes and consequences', was published by the Moscow Patriarchate's own publishing house, reports Meduza.
Metaphysical justification for war
The text explores the spiritual aspects of warfare and presents it as a metaphysical struggle. By analyzing themes such as patriotism, heroism, and sacrifice, Kirill asserts that Russians are appointed by God as 'warriors of God' and that they must fulfill a historical duty to secure victory.
Continuity of ideological narratives
This ideological stance aligns with earlier statements by the patriarch that the current invasion of Ukraine is a necessary completion of the fight against Nazism – a fight that he claims began during World War II.
Controversy over lifting EU sanctions
Kirill was exempted from EU sanctions after a specific request by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who argued that the era of religious wars is over. This step led to condemnation by other EU member states, as the new book once again demonstrates that Kirill has transformed from a spiritual guide into an ardent supporter of Russian aggression.
When asked about his support for the patriarch, Radev defended his position by comparing the situation to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, noting that the Bulgarian patriarch likewise blesses the national army.
