The Russian World project may be the beginning of Kirill's end. Since it was the head of the Russian Orthodox Church who sold Putin the idea of the “Russian World” with an emphasis on Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova.
This is stated in the special project “The Sinful throne of Kirill. A story about big money, debauchery, ambition and the FSB” LIGA.net, Religiyna Pravda reports.
The framework of Kirill's thinking is neo-imperial, says Archimandrite Cyril Hovorun, doctor of philosophy. He is well acquainted with the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2009, Hovorun was sent at the disposal of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow.
“I think that before 2014, his vision inspired the Kremlin. This is how the ideology of the “Russian World” appeared, which turned from marginal to Central precisely because of the church,” he said.
Now the "Russian world" can be the beginning of the end of Kirill. Since it was the head of the Russian Orthodox Church who sold Putin the idea of the “Russian World” with an emphasis on Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, says Dmytro Horyevoy, Director of the Center for Religious Security.
"Kirill convinced Putin that if the Kremlin wants to keep Ukraine in an orbit of influence, then the best performer will be the Russian Orthodox Church. This will make it possible to exert ideological, cultural, and informational influence through church channels. The author of the concept of the “Russian World” in its modern form is Kirill personally,” Horyevoy said.
As a result, the Russian Orthodox Church became the Kremlin's ideological apparatus. But when the Russian-Ukrainian war began in 2014, the illusory influence of the Russian Orthodox Church failed – the “Russian world” did not take place, without tanks it closed itself within Russia. This was the first alarm signal for Kirill – the time of his influence was over. And this was the first step down for Kirill.
Perhaps this year the head of the Russian Orthodox Church will have to go to one of the residences “to rest”. He turns 75 years old. Upon reaching this age, the diocesan bishop must submit an application for dismissal.
“He is unlikely to write against himself, but there may be some sticklers around him to remind him of this need and submit the issue to the Synod for consideration," says religious scholar Ilya Bey. "And it may happen that very soon Kirill is no longer on the throne.”