Patriarch Kirill Criticizes Halloween and Warns Against Neo-Paganism
In a recent speech, Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, voiced strong opposition to what he views as a resurgence of paganism in contemporary society. He expressed concern over efforts to “revive paganism,” particularly noting its influence in certain “military circles” within Russia.
The patriarch also criticized Nataliya Poklonskaya, a former chief prosecutor of Crimea and current member of the State Duma, for celebrating the Gaelic festival of Samhain. Poklonskaya had shared photos on her Telegram channel wearing Celtic clothing and face paint in honor of the festival, which Kirill saw as a troubling sign of neo-pagan influence.
Additionally, Patriarch Kirill condemned the ongoing celebration of Halloween in Russian schools. He argued that some schools disguise the Western “toxic” holiday under Slavic-themed names, further diluting traditional values.
“This replacement of values, the falsification of national history, and the diminishment of Christianity’s role in shaping our nation’s statehood is, in a sense, a challenge to the true values of the Russian world,” Kirill declared, emphasizing the importance of preserving the nation’s Christian heritage.
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