Diocese Comments on Controversial Exchange Between Patriarch and Priest

The Odintsovo Diocese has commented on the much-discussed exchange between Patriarch Kirill and Father Alexei Shlyapin, stating that the video was taken out of context. A diocesan representative noted that the Patriarch did not reprimand the priest but rather "gently corrected" the inaccuracy of his words, as reported by NewsBox.

The Odintsovo Diocese responded to a video where Patriarch Kirill sharply replied to Father Alexei Shlyapin regarding his statements about the priority of the Kingdom of God over patriotism.

Ilya Lukyanov, head of the diocese's department for interaction with society and media, stated that the published segment of the conversation was taken out of context. In his opinion, the Patriarch was not berating the cleric but simply softly correcting him.

"The Patriarch did not scold but delicately pointed out the error, because the father indeed made a nonsensical remark," said Lukyanov in a comment to the publication "Pod'yem".

He also noted that the priest started the conversation with a question about why the words "Fatherland" and "Motherland" are capitalized. The Patriarch's comprehensive and clear response has not yet been published online, but the diocesan representative expressed hope that the Patriarchate will release it in full.