Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday praised the Russian Orthodox Church for supporting Moscow’s forces fighting in Ukraine in an Orthodox Christmas message aimed at rallying people behind his vision of modern Russia.
The Kremlin released Putin’s message after the Russian leader attended an Orthodox Christmas Eve service alone inside a Kremlin cathedral, rather than joining other worshipers in a public celebration.
In his message, accompanied on the Kremlin’s website by an image of him in front of religious icons, Putin made it clear that he sees the Russian Orthodox Church as an important stabilizing force for society at a time that he sees as a historic conflict between Russia and the West on Ukraine and other issues.
“It is deeply gratifying to observe the enormous constructive contribution of the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations in unifying society, preserving our historical memory, educating the youth and strengthening the institution of the family,” Putin said.
“Church organizations prioritize … supporting our warriors participating in the special military operation (in Ukraine). Such massive, complex and truly selfless work deserves sincere respect.”
On Friday, Putin ordered a 36-hour ceasefire for the celebrations, but Kiev rejected it as a ploy by Moscow to buy time to regroup, and Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged artillery fire after the announcement.
Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, but the Russian Orthodox Church’s support of Moscow’s war in Ukraine has angered many Ukrainian Orthodox faithful and divided the worldwide Orthodox Church.
Source: CNN Brasil
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