Interfax: Patriarch Kirill denies accusations of church dictate, says he is anti-clericals’ main target

MOSCOW. Nov 20 (Interfax) – Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill says he sees no grounds for criticism by those who believe that the church is putting pressure on society and is growing into the state.

“Look around you, at what surrounds you, at the TV programs, advertising, lifestyle, full restaurants during Lent. The church is not dragging anyone out of these restaurants, it’s not forcing anyone to do anything. It just gives its message to the people. And even this message, which is based strictly on God’s words, is perceived as pressure and dictates,” the patriarch said after the liturgy he served on Wednesday, which is his birthday, in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

The patriarch is “the main target of those who are fighting the church, God’s word, which is a message from the Savior himself, and are attacking it,” he said.

“I am asking for your prayers and your spiritual assistance,” the patriarch told believers.