Patriarch Kirill of Moscow has once again stirred controversy with his recent comments, this time sounding the alarm about the emergence of “neopagan sentiments” among soldiers in the Ukrainian conflict zone. Describing these individuals as “weirdos” (“чудики”), his remarks have ignited a heated debate, prompting the Russian Orthodox Church to intensify its efforts in combating such tendencies.
Known for his unwavering support of President Vladimir Putin, Kirill has consistently backed Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine—a contentious conflict resulting in numerous casualties and mass displacements. In a recent address documented on patriarchia.ru, the Moscow Patriarch cautioned, “I want to alert the priests who are present in the war zone to the emergence of neopagan beliefs among certain military personnel.”
Expressing astonishment at the resurgence of paganism in the 21st century, he denounced the efforts of “weirdos” attempting to revive this ideology within “Holy Russia.”
While the Kremlin portrays the conflict as a “special military operation” aimed at “denazifying” Ukraine, Kirill interprets the war as a clash of cultures and spiritual values against Western liberalism, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights.
The Patriarch urged clergy members to take proactive measures in eliminating any neopagan influence on Russian soldiers, underscoring the Church’s role in shaping their worldview. He also reiterated his belief in a larger conspiracy, alleging that “anti-Russia forces” orchestrated the Ukrainian war to undermine the country and diminish the authority of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Furthermore, he accused these adversaries of supporting the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, led by Metropolitan Epifaniy, in an attempt to undermine the Russian Church’s influence.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas