Christian Resurgence in Russia? Patriarch Kirill Leads Day of Prayer in Moscow

By Deacon Keith Fournier
4/24/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

There is a growing resurgence of the Orthodox Christian faith in Russia

There is a growing recognition that there is more that joins theologically faithful Catholics and theologically faithful Orthodox than that which separates us. The cultural decline compels our collaboration in Christ. It is leading us to a growing mutual respect which may pave the way toward some form of restored communion. Patriarch Kirill sees the Orthodox and Catholic Churches as "sister churches". That is a welcome sign of the work of the Holy Spirit. We ask our readers around the globe to pray for the Patriarch and for Christians in Russia.

Patriarch Kirill and Pope Benedict XVI

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MOSCOW (Catholic Online) - We welcomed the selection of Patriarch Kirill as the 16th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia in 2009. It was the first election of a Patriarch since the fall of the atheist Communist regime which governed the former Soviet Union for so many years. We, along with millions the world over, hoped it was a sign of the revitalization of the ancient faith in this critical time in history.

Patriarch Kirill is theologically and doctrinally solid - said to be a man of deep faith and courage. He is a champion of the authentic Orthodox Christian Tradition and a stalwart defender of the doctrine of the ancient Christian Faith of the First Millennium - before the first split in the Church occurred.

He is outspoken in his concern over the moral decline in Russian, European and broader western culture. He is also dedicated to doing something about it - leading a resurgence of authentic Christianity and a new missionary undertaking to Russian culture.

In an insightful analysis written for Catholic Online shortly after the Patriarchs enthronement entitled Patriarch Kirill & Pope Benedict: A Tale of Two Leaders for a new Missionary Age Orthodox priest Fr Johannes L. Jacobse, the editor of Orthodoxy Today and President of the American Orthodox Institute opined,

"Patriarch Kirill is a theological conservative in the mold of Pope Benedict. Both see religion as the wellspring of culture. Both understand that Europe cannot escape a final capitulation to tyranny if it does not rediscover its Christian roots."

Since his enthronement, Patriarch Kirill has offered his voice of clarity and authority to the growing Catholic and Orthodox critique of the decline of moral values and the hostility of the contemporary culture toward the Church. He openly decries the growing rejection of Christian influence throughout the world. He warns of the the dangers that such a rejection present to civilization and authentic freedom.

Patriarch Kirill has repeatedly called upon Orthodox Christians to be actively involved in reclaiming the culture with the values informed by the ancient faith. Shortly after his selection, the Patriarch noted that, "in the Vatican and not only in the Vatican but all over the world, Catholics understand that Orthodox (people) are their allies. And Orthodox (people) are more and more coming to understand that Catholics are their allies in the face of hostile and non-religious secularism."

His first message to the faithful - and to the world as millions watched by television and internet - emphasized his commitment to reaching out to the young, his dedication to working with those whom he called the "sister churches" and his strong intention to combat "moral relativism". The elements of that message echoed much in the mission of Pope Benedict XVI.

One of many signs of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Third Christian Millennium is the rediscovery between Orthodox and Catholic Christians of our common Baptismal bond as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. I am numbered among a growing number who believe that the Holy Spirit is gathering a movement of Orthodox and Catholic Christians to collaborate in this critical hour.

There is a growing recognition that there is more that joins theologically faithful Catholics and theologically faithful Orthodox than that which separates us. The urgency of the cultural decline compels our collaboration in Christ. It is also leading us to a growing mutual respect which may pave the way toward some form of restored communion.

Polls in Russia indicated that only 5 percent of Russians were observant in the practice of their Orthodox Christian faith when the Patriarch was enthroned. Less than 30 percent expressed their commitment to following the moral teaching of the Church.

The Patriarchs' call for exposing this moral disintegration and remedying its effects on Russian culture through a resurgence of the faith shows how much the new Patriarch shares with his brother, Pope Benedict XVI. The growing resurgence of the Orthodox faith indicates his work is bearing fruit.

Patriarch Kirill has faced opposition within the Orthodox Church for his dialogue with the Catholic Church. However, he has showed no sign of retreat, particularly in joint efforts aimed at stemming the growing spread of the culture of death and the sordid fruit of moral relativism. Before he was elevated to the Patriarchate, he was responsible for dialogue with the Holy See. he has continued that dialogue.

Pope Benedict XVI sent an especially meaningful gift to the new Patriarch when he ...

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1 - 8 of 8 Comments

The Reader
1 year ago
Kirill may be a "man of deep faith" but that faith is not in the Lord Jesus Christ.

And church attendances in Russia has been at the same level since the early 1990s. The so-called "Orthodox Revival" is a myth. Many people in Russia claim to be "Orthodox" without even being baptised or having any knowledge of what Christianity is about.
larry
1 year ago
i am sorry but the roman catholic church is not our brothers or sisters in christ nor will the russian orthodox church allow inter commuion till rome denies the doctrinal changes in its church after 1054 ad and the only reason the russian patriarch has to deal with the roman catholic church that since the breakup of communism in the former soviet union the sheep stealing catholics have set up archdioceses and named bishops in russian cities and regions that never had any roman catholic churches before the fall of comunism and the fact they design them to look like orthodox churches and have thier priests learn russian is a reason rome can not be trusted they are using un christian acts to steal faithfull from the orthodox church they are no better then thier lying harlot daughters the protestant cults
Judy
1 year ago
Deacon Keith: Another informing article to tug at the heart strings. It appears to be Good News for Christians and the Church. As Patriarch Krillil see's his Russia sinking in moral decay, and his heart and mind seem to be one with our Holy Father, this apparently indicates that indeed a breath of fresh air has been breathed by the Holy Spirit! Years of prayer, and years of the Rosary have NOT been in vain, for those of you who have been praying for the conversion of Russia. Our Blessed Mother and Her Son are so wonderful! Thank you for this bit of news! Blessings to you as Always...
ninek
1 year ago
Go Team Jesus!!!
Brian A Cook
1 year ago
I should have "article whose link you posted within yours". That would have been clearer. I'd also like to say that there has been a doctored photograph which attempted and failed to erase a luxury watch. I also have been unable to find articles in which Kirill questioned Putin. The point I was making was that maybe some of the criticisms have at least an element of truth. I would welcome HARD EVIDENCE to the contrary. Many human beings, even "godless" human beings, truly do look for justice and peace, however much they may disagree with the Church.
Brian A Cook
1 year ago
According to the article that you showed, Kirill apparently gorges himself and is in the tank for Putin. This passage should give some clue about the political situation in Russia.

"Some of these have brought to light, in the Russian media, Kirill's life of luxury and privilege prompting the Patriarch to hold a Day of Prayer. "The reason for this hostility -, according to Pyatigorsk theology student Anastasia Pavlukhova - is that the Church now supports the state more explicitly and so they attack it to indirectly affect the authorities.""

True, the next statements do relate very sacrilegious acts. I object wholeheartedly to such as. I am not here to defend the punk-band or any other vandal (who apparently had Putin, not Kirill, as their main target). I am here to raise questions. I don't think this is a simple battle between good and evil--I've learned that few things are.
abey
1 year ago
Apostolic Faith, the Faith that was once delivered unto the saints is found in the Orthodox Churches, the same faith in its Tradition carried through the ages become as the Apostolic Tradition , the tradition of Christ & to this the Catholic Church has the basic fair ground towards the integration to the Orthodox & Traditional. That which is working against the Russian Orthodox like the 'Punks" reflect the present Western & American cultures of "Liberalism & Secularism" a rudderless culture without "Bell & Brake" includes their liberal media to the crash. It is heartening to see the Russians & their Churches like the Catholic churches, resisting such godless cultures & to the Prophecy of Our Lady of Medjugorje, Mary an oracle of God, unlike that of delphi, to divination as the root of the masters of the "Liberals & Secularists". Against which which Our lady stating of the manner to the future of salvation comes from the Russians & their likes with the West thinking themselves to be their own creators in the pride , & the truth of this Prophecy is clearly seen, even so through the "Lusty Punks", young girls caught in the satanic web.
Thomas faith
1 year ago
The Lord is good all the time.! Our prayers are answered for in Christ we are one,why unusual denominations here nd there springing up like businesses. O God save Us. Thank You Father

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