Kirill I: two years as Patriarch
Faustova Milena
31/1/2011
A patriarchal liturgy Tuesday in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour will mark two years since the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill I.
Principal of the John Chrysostom Orthodox University Father Superior Piotr Yeremeyev speaks about achievement under the new Patriarch:
“Acting out his role as the supreme religious authority for Russia’s majority Orthodox Christians, His Holiness has deeply involved himself with the most important of this country’s problems. These include civil rights, ethnic harmony, social justice, peace within the former USSR and unity with all ethnic Russians in all parts of the world.”
Dr Alexei Yudin of the Russian State Humanitarian University praises the Patriarch for upholding tradition while advancing cautious reforms:
“Patriarch Kirill has skillfully managed to avert schism between the conservatives and the pro-reformers in the Russian Church. Under his guidance, the Church has gained clout in social affairs and in the media. It has also reached out to the young, and by no means only within its church precincts. Patriarch Kirill boldly asserts values and never shies away from controversy in doing so.”
In Russian polls, over one half of the respondents say they take moral guidance from the Church. Unlike just a few years ago, a vast majority also supports the teaching of religion and ethics at school. Most Orthodox Christians welcome the Patriarch’s initiative for a church and a parish in every city neighbourhood.
