Russian Orthodox Patriarch calls out to 'rally behind Moscow and defend Russia’s independence'

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia called out to unite around the "city of Moscow" and prevent foreign “centres of power from destroying Russia's independence” during his sermon in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. 

“We, our folk, are in dire need of internal unity this day. It’s a tough time for our Fatherland (…) And this is why our folk should rally behind the historical centre of our country, the city of Moscow. Our strength is in unity, and Russia will be invincible as long as we are united and strong, as long as we keep our faith in our hearts, as long as we are inspired by the great example of our ancestors,” said the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, according to Interfax. 

Patriarch Kirill also called on the Russians to stand up for their country and its "true independence from the powerful centres of power who sow discord, create new idols and promote new pseudo-values, destroying the victorious spirit of our people.” 

More than 430 priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate demanded that a “church tribunal” be held against Patriarch Kirill. The "tribunal" is a process initiated by the Council of Primates of the Ancient Eastern Churches (The Pentarchy). These priests accuse Kirill of supporting the ‘Russian world’ doctrine, which is un-Orthodox and therefore should be condemned as heresy, as well as of “ethic crimes” by justifying the Ukraine war.