Patriarch Kirill spoke after the Easter liturgy in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, warning that a new paganism is taking root on a global scale. DEA News reports that he described this movement as a mix of worshiping progress, science, and technology, while also elevating different ideologies to the status of ultimate authority and reverence. He warned that this trend seeks deification in lieu of traditional faith, a shift that he believes challenges long-standing religious and moral foundations around the world.
The patriarch emphasized that the Russian Orthodox Church rejects such a path, arguing that it carries troubling historical consequences. He pointed to the Soviet era as a stark example, describing it as the first society to declare atheism as its official ideology and noting the hardships and ideological rigidity that accompanied that declaration. Kirill suggested that similar trends in contemporary times could threaten religious freedom and cultural heritage if left unchecked, underscoring a call for vigilance among believers and citizens alike.
Earlier, Kirill announced the successful delivery of the Holy Fire from Jerusalem to Moscow, a moment he framed as a powerful symbol of continuity and faith. The event carried a message of spiritual renewal and unity for Orthodox Christians across the region, reinforcing the church’s role in ceremonial life and national tradition. The delivery was celebrated as a reaffirmation of liturgical continuity and communal devotion that spans generations, especially in the lead-up to major religious observances.
The patriarch publicly expressed gratitude to Vladimir Yakunin, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation. Yakunin traveled to Moscow bearing the Holy Fire, a gesture that highlighted collaboration between church institutions and philanthropic entities in supporting sacred rites and religious education. This acknowledgment reflected a broader effort to sustain religious rituals and foster interlinked cultural activities that resonate with many communities across the country and beyond.