Patriarch Kirill: Church schism brings real suffering to people

Patriarch Kirill. Photo: rbc.ru

On May 16, 2021, the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, said that church division in Ukraine brings suffering to people, reports the official website of the Russian Orthodox Church.

During a meeting with the episcopate of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, held at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Patriarch Kirill expressed his vision of the church situation in Ukraine.

The Primate said that he receives a weekly report of the offences that are taking place in Ukraine in relation to the believers of the UOC. According to him, people experience suffering because of the church division, and the matter often comes "to violence, to beatings, to the struggle for churches".

However, the Patriarch said, "the church people are sensitively aware of the destructive temptations and do not accept them”, and the canonical Church in Ukraine "does not diminish in any way, does not become weaker – new parishes and monasteries are opening, the number of the clergy is increasing".

“Nevertheless, of course, separation brings real suffering to people,” resumed the Primate of the Russian Church.

As reported earlier, Patriarch Kirill believes the schism in Ukraine is a deliberately provoked conflict.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.

"The entire family has been massacred in Baniyas, Syria. They were Orthodox Christians. Humanity has failed!"

Social media is telling the stories Corporate Media will not, and people are taking notice.