The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, said that attempts to spread "neopaganism" among the Russian military are being observed in the combat zone in Ukraine, News.bg reports.
In an address to priests published on the website of the Moscow Patriarchate, he called for increased efforts to counteract these trends and protect the influence of the church among soldiers, "Reuters" quotes him as saying.
"I want to draw the attention of priests visiting the combat zone to the emergence of neopagan sentiments among some military personnel," Kirill said. "Who would have thought that in the 21st century, "strangers" would appear on the territory of Holy Russia to revive paganism?"
Patriarch Kirill, known for his close relationship with President Vladimir Putin, is one of the most ardent supporters of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to him, the war is part of a clash with "degenerate Western culture", especially on issues such as LGBT rights.
He indicated that priests who witness attempts to spread neo-pagan beliefs among Russian soldiers should "show special initiative in order to completely prevent the influence of neo-paganism on the minds of servicemen."
Kirill also accused "enemy forces" in organizing the conflict in Ukraine in order to "weaken Russia and the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church", without providing specific evidence. He did not specify what forms of paganism were observed at the front, but stressed that the Russian Church must remain a moral pillar in the army.