Lithuania urges the European Union to impose sanctions against Patriarch Kirill of Moscow for his support of Kremlin’s aggression in Ukraine, as Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabrielius Landsbergis told 15min.lt portal.
«Yes. Such a proposal exists, but since discussions on a common position are underway, we don’t have definitive answers as to whether it will be possible to do so,» he said. «I believe this person is engaged in killing souls rather than saving them, if we try to find appropriate religious terminology to describe what he does with his statements, his support of war, all the horrors that are happening in Ukraine and which he blesses in action and in words.»
To impose sanctions, all EU member states have to give their approval.
At the same time, Landsbergis confirmed that state institutions are already engaged in talks about the possible split between Lithuania’s Christian Orthodox Church and Moscow. He stressed, however, that the state and church are separated, which is why the decision should be made by the Christian Orthodox community.
«Discussions and consultations are underway, as far as I’m aware […]. State institutions are also involved somewhat – in regards to interpretations and conclusions,» said the minister.
The Russian Christian Orthodox Church is one of the pillars of Kremlin’s regime, and since the start of Russia’s invasion Patriarch Kirill has talked about «forces of evil» in Ukraine that has always fought «against the unity of Russia and its church». These statements have caused discussions about whether or not the church is responsible for the crimes committed by Russia. They have also initiated talks within the Lithuanian Christian Orthodox clergymen about separating from Moscow.
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Lithuanian Christian Orthodox Church is led by Vilnius-Lithuanian Orthodox Archbishop Metropolitan Inokentius. It is one of the nine traditional religious communities in Lithuania and is part of Moscow Patriarchate.