Lebedev weighs in on the Russian Orthodox Church and patriarch Kirill
A prominent Russian designer and blogger, Artemy Lebedev, shared his opinions on the Russian Orthodox Church and Patriarch Kirill in a recent article. The piece drew attention from media circles, including journalist Yuri Dud, who is identified in Russia as a foreign agent.
Lebedev offered a viewpoint on Russia’s ecclesiastical landscape by comparing it with Orthodox communities in Bulgaria, Georgia, and Greece. He noted that in those countries a visit to church life creates a sense of spiritual connection that feels deeply personal. In his words, the same spiritual resonance does not come through when visiting churches in Russia, a sentiment he described as troubling rather than uplifting.
Among his criticisms, Lebedev described many modern Russian temples as lacking soul, likening them to artworks created by amateurs. He singled out the Church of the Armed Forces as the only contemporary Russian temple that resonates with him potentially because of its purpose and symbolism.
Lebedev also commented on Patriarch Kirill, arguing that Kirill embodies a detached stance toward the church’s traditional role. He suggested that Kirill’s lifestyle and conduct fall short of what he believes a spiritual leader should embody.
In the closing assessment, Lebedev stated that Kirill’s words carry little weight for him. The blogger indicated greater respect for the Pope than for the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, reflecting a critical stance on Kirill’s influence and leadership.
Earlier, Lebedev had labelled Ekaterina Mizulina in strong terms, referring to her as an information terrorist in public discourse.