Kirill briefs Russian officials on the number of ROC priests serving in the war and their importance
He announced this information while speaking at the Federation Council during the “Christmas Parliamentary Meeting,” according to Relihiina Pravda (Religious Truth).
Kirill called on the authorities to grant official status to military priests of the Russian Orthodox Church.
"In the zone of the 'special military operation,' there are currently 150 clergymen performing pastoral duties, risking their lives and health. I know from participants in military operations that communication with priests and pastoral care truly strengthen soldiers' spirits. This is not a myth or propaganda — it is reality. However, without a clear legal status, the ministry of military priests cannot develop. There must be an official status and legal formalization for this ministry so that no one can say, 'What are you doing here? This is not your business.' I urge you, as legislators, to pay attention to this issue," said Gundyaev.
He also mentioned that there is a negative attitude towards the development of the institution of military clergy from those in the army involved in ideological education.
Kirill believes that "the entire history of the Russian Armed Forces — before the revolution — was connected with the presence of military priests" and that "the priest was close to those who had to confront death."
