Easter in Moscow
Putin crosses himself and praises mercy
May 5, 2024, 9:55 a.m
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The Christian message is about charity and peace. But Putin has also discovered Christianity and is now celebrating Orthodox Easter together with his former KGB buddy, Patriarch Kirill. He finds warm words for him.
Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the central service in Moscow for Orthodox Easter. At mass in the main church, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Putin crossed himself several times and joined the congregation in the Easter greeting. The service was led by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.
Putin’s close ally asked for the protection of Russia’s “sacred borders” in his prayers, according to state news agency TASS. Exactly what these should look like is unclear. In any case, the international borders provide for a Russia without territories taken away from Ukraine. After years of war, parts of eastern Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula are occupied and annexed by Russia.
Putin, meanwhile, congratulated Orthodox Christians on Easter. He pointed to the state-supporting role of the Russian Orthodox Church: “Spiritual shepherds have always been at the side of the people. And today, in the midst of serious challenges, Christian religious organizations provide effective, selfless help to those who need support and attention “, quotes the TASS Putin.
Putin praises church’s “creative work”.
The Kremlin chief particularly praised the “creative and fruitful work of the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations” that preserved Russia’s historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. Putin also drew attention to “strengthening the institution of the family, educating young people, affirming such enduring values and moral guidelines as charity, mercy and compassion” that Russian Christians advocate.
Putin sent a congratulatory message to Patriarch Kirill, thanking the cleric for his “ascetic service” and efforts to strengthen the Fatherland. In fact, Kirill – like Putin – is a former secret service agent and a close confidante of Putin. He unconditionally supports the war against Ukraine, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced people.
In the Ukrainian capital Kiev, stricter security measures apply for Orthodox Easter. According to a statement from the city’s military administration a few days ago, residents were asked to watch the service online and not go to church due to security concerns. Serhiy Popko, head of the military administration of the city of Kiev, emphasized that rocket attacks by the Russian military could increase on such occasions. “Don’t forget that the country is at war,” he said on Telegram. “Even on such happy days of celebration, we can expect evil deeds from the aggressor – the threat of missile attacks has not been eliminated.”