View source for Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)


[[File:Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev).jpg]] 

'''Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) (1946-____)'''


Kirill may be spelt Kyril, Kyrillos, Cyril.  

Gundyaev may be spelt Gundiayev.


==Gundyaev family historical details==

The son of Holy Priest Vasili Gundyaev was the future Archpriest Mikhail V Gundyaev.  The grandson of Holy Priest Vasili Gundyaev was the future Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev).  

'''Saint Vasiliy Gundyaev (1879-1969)'''

The recent Gundyaev family history involves the Holy [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%98%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Confessor], 
Holy [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://drevo-info.ru/articles/14114.html&prev=search Priest Vasiliy Stepanovich Gundyaev], who had been born in 1879 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrakhan Astrakhan] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volga_Delta#:~:text=The%20Volga%20Delta%20is%20the%20largest%20river%20delta,eastern%20part%20of%20the%20delta%20lies%20in%20Kazakhstan. Volga River Delta], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrakhan_Governorate#:~:text=The%20Astrakhan%20Governorate%20%28Russian%3A%20%D0%90%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F%20%D0%B3%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F%2C%20tr.%20Astrakhanskaya,Governorate%2C%20by%20Peter%20I%20%27s%20Reform%20in%201717. Astrakhan Province], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Empire Russian Empire]), and then moved to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veliky_Novgorod Novgorod] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novgorod_Oblast Western Russia].  He and his brother had secular professions.  Being strongly faithful Orthodox Christians, both brothers studied [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology theology] on their own and they developed a good private library of theological works.  The brothers were devoted lovers of God and of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church Orthodox Church].  

'''Exiles'''

After the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_Revolution Bolshevik revolution of 1917], Vasiliy Stepanovich was denounced by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renovationism Renovationists], he was imprisoned in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solovki_prison_camp Solovki Prison Camp].  He was, in fact, amongst the first prisoners to be sent there.  

This prison camp was established on the facilities of the former [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solovetsky_Monastery Solovetsky Monastery] which had been founded in 1436 on the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solovetsky_Islands Solovetsky Islands] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Sea White Sea], and then closed by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communism communists] in the early 1920s.  Many of the monastery's buildings were incorporated into the "[https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%8C_%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Solovki Special Prison Camp]", one of the earliest forced-labour camps of the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulag gulag]" during the 1920s and 1930s.  The camp's main [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forced_labour forced-labour] activity was logging ; and when most of the surrounding area had been deforested, the camp was closed.  In its early years, it held very many writers and political prisoners, besides clergy and monks.  

Vasiliy Stepanovich was repeatedly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_repression_in_the_Soviet_Union repressed] and exiled in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s because of his activities in the Church, and because of his participation in the struggle against Soviet “[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Living_Church Renovationism]”.  He was, in fact, opposed to "Renovationism".  In total, he spent 18 years in the camps, which, during his 7 exiles, he spent in 46 prisons and camps.  During that time, Vasiliy did not abandon his Orthodox Christian Faith.  He conducted secret [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader reader's] services, for which he spent a month in a penalty area. 


[[File:Vasily Stepanovich Gundyaev 1.png]]  '''Prison system photo'''


'''Ordinations'''

Later, he was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate] and to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood] in the 1950s (just after his last repression), and he protected the flock he served (in a remote village) during the [https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9780230390041_7 repressions] of Mr. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikita_Khrushchev N S Krushchev] until the end of his life. 


[[File:Holy Presbyter Vasily Gundyaev.jpg]]  '''Holy Priest Vasiliy Gundyaev'''


'''Archpriest Mikhail V Gundyaev (1907-1974)'''

Mikhail Vasilyevich Gundyaev was born in 1907 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lukoyanov Lukoyanov], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizhny_Novgorod_Governorate Nizhny Novgorod Province], where his parents then lived.  From childhood, he hoped to be able to serve the Church.  As he grew up, he began to serve as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Subdeacon subdeacon] for [https://clever-geek.imtqy.com/articles/3480511/index.html Bishop Polikarp (Tikhonravov)] of Lukoyanov.  

'''Theological education'''

Then, in 1921, he began studying at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Petersburg_Theological_Academy Leningrad Theological Seminary and Academy].  Regularly, he attended all the lectures ; and he recorded these lectures by writing them down.

While studying at the higher theological courses, on Saturdays, Sundays and Feast-days, Mikhail Gundyaev simultaneously sang (tenor) in the choir of the Dormition Temple (former [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Metochion metochion] of the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%B8%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D0%9F%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Kiev-Caves Lavra], in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg Saint Petersburg]), and he participated actively in the life of the parish.  

It was there that he met Raisa Vladimirovna Kuchina, who sang in the church choir.  They agreed that they wanted to be married, but the plans had to be delayed.

'''Raisa Vladimirovna Kuchina'''

[https://www.geni.com/people/Raisa-Gundyaeva/6000000059562472913 Raisa Vladimirovna Kuchina] was born in [https://www.britannica.com/place/St-Petersburg-Russia Saint Petersburg], within an Orthodox Christian family.

In 1926, she graduated from high school, but she could not go on immediately to study at the university.  The delay was caused by her social and Christian background.  Furthermore, in August, 1928, the atheist authorities closed the theological education programme.  

In 1930, she did manage to enter the Leningrad Institute of Foreign Languages.  

'''Continuing studies of Mikhail Vasilyevich'''

With the August, 1928, closure of the Leningrad Theological Seminary and Academy, Mikhail Vasilyevich was at least qualified to serve as a [https://ru-wiktionary-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%BF%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%86?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Psalmist] ("Psalomshchik").  

Therefore, simultaneously with singing in the choir of the Dormition Temple of the Kiev [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Metochion metochion] in Leningrad, Mikhail Vasilyevich also worked as a Psalmist in a rural Temple, in the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9A%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%B0_(%D0%92%D1%8B%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BE%D0%BD)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Kamenka] village.  

'''Military service ; labour camp'''

Then Mikhail Vaslyevich was taken into service in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Army Red Army].  However, as an Orthodox Christian, he was expelled after a time.

In 1934 (just a few days before the planned marriage to Raisa Vladimirovna), he was arrested in connexion with the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassination_of_Sergei_Kirov Kirov assassination case]" and for service in the Church, and for singing in the Church.  He was accused also of involvement in making an attempt against the life of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Stalin Mr. Joseph Stalin].  He was condemned to 3 years in a labour-camp of the "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulag gulag]".  


[[File:Mikhail Vasilyevich Gundyaev 2.png]]  '''Prison photo'''


'''Marriage, 1937'''

Finally, in 1937, after having endured his compulsory service and the labour-camp that followed, Mikhail Vasilyevich Gundyaev was able at last to marry Raisa Vladimirovna Kuchina in 1937.  They had had to wait for this opportunity for 4 years.  From this marriage, Mikhail Vasilyevich and Raisa Vladimirovna received from the Lord 2 sons and 1 daughter.  


[[File:Mikhail and Raisa Gundyaev (2).jpg]]  '''Mikhail and Raisa Gundyaev'''


Like his father, Mikhail Vasilyevich qualified as a mechanic-machinist.  He had studied at the [https://spbarchives-ru.translate.goog/infres/-/archive/cga/guide/158?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Leningrad Mechanical College], and then the [https://www-spbstu-ru.translate.goog/university/about-the-university/history/1921-1941/?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Leningrad Industrial Institute].  Finally, he graduated from the Correspondence Engineering Institute.  At first, he had about becoming a physician, but because of his open profession that he was an Orthodox Christian, he had been blocked from such a course of studies.  

'''Great Patriotic War, 1941'''

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II World War II] had begun with the invasion of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1939%E2%80%931945) Poland] in 1939, but the war involved the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union Soviet Union] (USSR) directly with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Barbarossa invasion] in 1941 by the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Army_(1935%E2%80%931945) Nazi German Army].  

On 8 September, 1941, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Leningrad blockade of Leningrad] by the Nazi army began.  The Gundyaev family did not evacuate from the besieged city.  Mikhail Vasilyevich, now chief mechanic at one of the military factories in Leningrad, worked in the factory of his employment throughout the blockade (8 September, 1941, to 27 January, 1944).  In the first months of the blockade, Mikhail participated in the construction of defensive fortifications around the city.  As a result of this extremely hard work, it was not long before he reached a state of complete exhaustion.  He was picked up on the street as a supposedly dead man, and he was taken to the morgue.  

Since the morgue was packed, he was placed in the hallway.  Unintentionally, a passing nurse touched the sheet with which he was covered ; and, looking at the face of the deceased, she saw that the pupils of his eyes contracted when the sheet flew off.  The woman raised a cry, and it saved the dying man.  The publicity of sending a living person to the morgue could lead to disastrous consequences.  The hospital management saw to it that Mikhail be fed intensively so that there would be no scandal. 

After the blockade was broken, Mikhail, as a military specialist, was sent to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizhny_Novgorod Nizhny Novgorod] (at that time called Gorky), where he was a military representative at the Gorky plant, and where he was engaged in the acceptance of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-34 T-34 tanks] before they were sent to the battle-front.  Until the very day of the victory, Mikhail Gundyaev worked in this post in Gorky.  After the end of the war, Mikhail Vasilyevich returned to Leningrad ; and there, he continued to work in his civilian speciality.

In 1947, Mikhail Vasilyevich made a decision to devote his life to serving the Church.  He was aware that to do so would affect negatively his status in Soviet society.  Regardless, he submitted a petition for ordination to [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9_(%D0%A7%D1%83%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Metropolitan Grigoriy (Chukov)] of Leningrad and Novgorod, his former rector at the Saint Petersburg Academy.  Metropolitan Grigoriy was surprised at the petition, since Mikhail Vasilyevich had a rather visible official position (and the consequences of ordination would be drastic).  He tested his former student's resolve.  He said : "If you truly want to exchange your Leningrad apartment for living in the most remote parish of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Eparchy_of_St._Petersburg Leningrad diocese], in the village of [https://vetliva-ru.translate.goog/belarus/about-country/cities/mogilevskaya-oblast/gorki/?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Petrova Gorka] on the border with the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D1%8C?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Pskov Oblast], then I will ordain you.  But don't count on serving in the city of Leningrad ; so go and consult with your wife".  At the family council, it was agreed that they would accept to go to a remote parish.

'''Ordinations, 1947''' 

On 3 September, 1947, Metropolitan Grigory (Chukov) ordained Mikhail Vasilyevich Gundayev to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate] in Leningrad, and then to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood].  However, he was not sent subsequently to the edge of the Leningrad diocese, but rather to the newly re-opened Temple in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smolensky_Cemetery Smolensk Cemetery] on [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Vasilyevsky Island].  The Temple had been re-sanctified, and the [https://azbyka-ru.translate.goog/days/ikona-milostivaja?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Icon of the Theotokos, "Merciful"] had been returned.  In the post-war years, this and the few other open Temples in Leningrad were filled with suffering people seeking consolation.  

By 1949, Matushka Raisa was expecting their third child.  The medical authorities advised her to abort the baby, since she was in a fragile condition.  However, the family went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyritsa Vyritsa], where they sought spiritual advice and prayerful support from [https://azbyka-ru.translate.goog/otechnik/Serafim_Vyritskij/?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Starets Seraphim of Vyritsa] (who reposed in Christ not long afterwards).  He received the young family, and he strengthened them.  They visited the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki,org/Iconography Icon] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theotokos Theotokos], and their daughter Elena was safely born that year.  

'''More Soviet pressure against Priest Mikhail Gundyaev'''

At that very time, the authorities adopted a fresh course of struggle against the Church.  They applied financial pressure by imposing unbearable taxes on the clergy.  
Father Mikhail's son (Patriarch Kirill) later wrote : 
  My father was summoned to Raifo and was told that he had earned some fantastic amount of money, and 
  that therefore he had to pay about 120,000 rubles of tax.  At that time, it was an unthinkable amount. 
  It was not real.  My father was not able to pay this amount.  There were trials, and my father was 
  sentenced to pay off a debt ; all our property was confiscated, and we practically lived on what
  people brought us : someone, bread ; someone, flour ; someone, herring ; someone, sugar.  Father could 
  have done very badly, and could have been just finished off, if he hadn't paid the money.  And then his 
  friends and acquaintances (including Leningrad intelligentsia, some professors, academicians, scientists, 
  some from the clergy) began to raise funds to pay this tax.  And they were collected.  But for the rest 
  of his life, his father paid his debts, and then I paid my father's debts.  We just finished paying
  when (already in the rank of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite]) I went to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva Geneva] as a representative of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Moscow Patriarchate]. 
Father Mikhail's daughter Elena later wrote :
  There was absolutely nothing more to take away.  Books, thank God, were not taken.  All we had left 
  was the library. [...] But with all the poverty, mom always gave us tea from cups and saucers. 
  No matter what ! She raised us like this that even in difficult years a person should not lose the 
  appearance and likeness of God. [...] How we lived, I do not understand.  As a child, I went out to 
  the front door, and on the handle always hung a net string bag with some products.  They were brought 
  by ordinary parishioners, people of very modest means.  Most often it contained a herring and a loaf 
  of bread.
In about 1951, Father Mikhail Gundyaev was transferred to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_Cathedral_(Saint_Petersburg) Transfiguration of the Saviour Sobor] in Leningrad.  The responsibility of Father Michael, in addition to the statutory services, included the reading on Thursdays of the [https://pravoslavnye-molitvy.ru/en/akathist-nicholas-wonderworker/#:~:text=Akathist%20Prayer%20Kontakion%201%20C%20hosen%20Wonderworker%20and,all%20adversities%20that%20I%20may%20call%20to%20you%3A Akathist to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker].  It was read in front of the revered Holy Icon of [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2016/12/06/103484-saint-nicholas-the-wonderworker-archbishop-of-myra-in-lycia Saint Nicholas].  Traditionally, it was sung by the people together.  After each akathist, Father made sure to deliver a homily.  Many people gathered for these weekly services, and the Transfiguration Sobor could not accommodate all the worshippers.  Such popularity regarding Father Michael as a pastor and preacher evoked the approval of the diocesan authorities, but it irritated the secular authorities.  

In 1957, [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%95%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%84%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9_(%D0%92%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%86%D0%BE%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Metropolitan Elevtheriy (Vorontsov)] of Leningrad and Novgorod elevated Priest Mikhail Gundyaev to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archpriest archpriest].

Father Michael and Matushka Raisa raised their children in faith and piety.  From the memoirs of their daughter, [https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/27872.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Elena Mikhailovna] (later vice-rector for culture of the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy) :
  From early childhood, Papa told us : 'If you are believers, stay that way in everything ; and if you 
  retreat even a little in something, then that’s it, and in the rest of your life you will seek compromises 
  with conscience and circumstances'.  And we, looking at our father, never hid our faith.  We were not 
  '[https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/octobrists Octobrists]', nor were we '[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Lenin_All-Union_Pioneer_Organization Pioneers]'.  Moreover, we were very respected by our peers.  But the 
  teachers put pressure accordingly, especially on brother.  He studied brilliantly, but he was regularly called to the 
  director's office [i.e. the local head of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_for_the_Affairs_of_Religious_Cults Council for the Affairs of Religious Cults] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_Union USSR]. 
In 1960, by decree of [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9F%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC_(%D0%A1%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Metropolitan Pitirim (Sviridov)] of Leningrad and Novgorod, Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev was transferred without warning from the Sobor of the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%BF%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BE-%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80_(%D0%A1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D1%82-%D0%9F%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B1%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Transfiguration of the Saviour] to the Leningrad Region as rector of the [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Saint_Alexander_Nevskiy_church_(Krasnoe_Selo)#/media/File:Sankt-Peterburg_avgust2013_1450015.JPG Saint Alexander Nevsky Temple] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krasnoye_Selo Krasnoye Selo].  At the last Divine Liturgy served by Father Michael in the Transfiguration Sobor, more than 3,000 people gathered who wanted to receive the blessing of their beloved pastor.  The authorities of the city were frightened and alarmed by such a demonstration of popular recognition.  


[[File:Nikolai Vladimir, Elena Gundyaev.jpg]]  '''Vladimir, Elena, Nikolai Gundyaev'''


The Saint Alexander Temple, originally built in 1890 from private funds, had been closed by the communists in 1932.  Then, during the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Leningrad Nazi occupation], it was opened briefly in 1942.  After the war, it was once again opened at the request of many people.  Father Michael was the third priest to serve since then.  On the south side of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Temple, an extension was made in the form of a closed gallery, where memorial services were performed later.  Father Mikhail served in the Saint Alexander Nevsky Temple for 10 years.  


[[File:Красное Село. Церковь Александра Невского 2.png]]  '''Saint Alexander Nevsky Temple, Krasnoe Selo'''


The formation of Vladimir Mikhailovich was influenced greatly by his grandfather (Holy Priest Visiliy Gundyaev), who had returned home in the mid-50s.  He told his grandson that even during the most severe camp tests that carried away the lives of most people, he had never experienced fear.  He told his grandson, “For me, it was a living experience and a living image of a person who knew what God's love is”.  

Every school day was a test for Vladimir Mikhailovich.  Opposing the communist regime, he became neither a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_movement Pioneer] nor a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komsomol Komsomol] member.  When the school principal convinced Vladimir Mikhailovich to put on a pioneer tie, he replied : “Good -- if you do not mind that I will go to church in a red tie, because I will”.  Permanent paedagogical councils and detentions from the director did not prevent Vladimir from studying well.  His interior interest and focus lay in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physics physics] and other exact disciplines.

In 1970, Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev, by decree of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Nikodim_(Rotov) Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)] of Leningrad and Novgorod, was assigned to serve as rector of the [https://depositphotos.com/160112926/stock-photo-st-petersburg-temple-of-seraphim.html Temple of Saint Seraphim of Sarov] in the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serafimovskoe_Cemetery Saint Seraphim Cemetery] in Leningrad.  It was one of the few churches that escaped the fate of closure and desecration after 1917. The most prominent Holy Icon of the Temple was the [https://0-80ajkqrey-xn----p1ai.translate.goog/diveevo/diveevskiy/ikona-bozhiej-materi-umilenie?_x_tr_enc=0&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Holy Icon of the Mother of God, "Tenderness"], which is a copy of the cell icon before which [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Seraphim_of_Sarov Saint Seraphim of Sarov] prayed.  Another important Holy Icon in the Temple was the [https://pravoslavie-ru.translate.goog/1533.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Holy Icon of the Mother of God, "Smolensk"] (17th century).  In front of these much-venerated Holy Icons, Archpriest Mikhail served prayers and read [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Akathist akathists] day after day.  Over 100,000 people who died during the [https://www.history.com/news/the-siege-of-leningrad Blockade of Leningrad] were buried in the cemetery where this Temple is located ; and there also, Father Michael performed funeral services and requiems invariably. 


[[File:Seraphim Sarovskiy church SPB 2.png]]  '''Cemetery Temple of Saint Seraphim of Sarov'''


[[File:Ikona-umilenie 2.png]]  [[File:Smolensk Icon of the Theotokos 2.png]]

'''"Tenderness" Icon of the Theotokos''' (left) '''; "Smolensk" Icon of the Theotokos''' (right)


Then, in 1972, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) assigned Archpriest Mikhail to serve as rector of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nicholas_Naval_Cathedral Saint Nicholas Temple] on "Bolshaya Okhta".  He also served as a member of the diocesan council.  The Nikolsky Temple on Bolshaya Okhta is also one of the few that was not subjected to closure and desecration.  About Father Mikhail, it is written in his diocesan personal file : 
  A convinced, disciplined and deeply respected shepherd and man.  Differs in modesty of character.  A 
  wonderful and responsive companion.  Good preacher.  Performs divine services and rites earnestly and 
  penetratingly, with excellent diction.  Fulfils all the spiritual requests of believers without fail
  outside the territory of the sobor, without any selfish motives, proceeding solely for pastoral 
  reasons.   


[[File:St-Nicholas-Naval-Cathedral SPBG 2.png]]  '''Saint Nicholas Naval Sobor, Saint Petersburg'''


[[File:Гундяев Михаил Васильевич-1.jpg]]  [[File:Raisa gundaeva.jpg]]

'''Archpriest Mikhail V Gundyaev''' (left) '''; Matushka Raisa V Gundyaeva''' (right)

==Early life of Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev==

On 20 November, 1946, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev was born to the [https://ru-openlist-wiki.translate.goog/%D0%93%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%B2_%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%B8%D0%BB_%D0%92%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%B5%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87_(1907)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Priest Mikhail Vasilievich Gundyaev] (+1974) and Raisa Vladimirovna Gundyaeva (born Kuchina) (+1984) (a teacher of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_language German language]) in the city of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Petersburg Leningrad] (now Saint Petersburg), in the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Soviet-Union Soviet Union] (USSR).  Vladimir Mikhailovich had an older brother, Nikolay Mikhailovich, and a younger sister, Elena Mikhailovna. 

Despite the difficult environment of that time, the whole family lived and was formed in the bosom of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church].


[[File:Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev.png]]  [[File:Vladimir Gundyaev childS.png]] 

'''Child Vladimir M Gundyaev'''


Both his sister Elena Mikhailovna and his brother Nikolay Mikhailovich (who later became the [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25D0%2593%25D1%2583%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B4%25D1%258F%25D0%25B5%25D0%25B2,_%25D0%259D%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9_%25D0%259C%25D0%25B8%25D1%2585%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9%25D0%25BB%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B2%25D0%25B8%25D1%2587&prev=search Archpriest Nikolay Gundyaev]) later became professors at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Petersburg_Theological_Academy Saint Petersburg Theological Academy].  In addition, Father Nikolay served as the rector of  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transfiguration_Cathedral_(Saint_Petersburg) Holy Transfiguration Sobor] in Saint Petersburg. 


[[File:Gundyaev familyS.png]] '''Gundyaev family'''


After completing primary school and the secondary school eighth grade in Leningrad, Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev found employment in the [https://www.rosgeo.com/en/content/saint-petersburg-complex-geological-expedition Leningrad Geological Expedition].  He worked there from 1962 to 1965 as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartography cartographer], during which years he combined work with studies while he completed secondary school.  


[[File:Document photo.png]] '''Document photo'''

==Higher education, 1965-1970==

After graduation from school, he entered the Leningrad (now [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D1%82-%D0%9F%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B1%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%8F?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Saint Petersburg) Orthodox Theological Seminary].  Afterwards, he enrolled in the Leningrad Orthodox Theological Academy, from which he graduated “cum laude” in 1970.  


[[File:Saint Petersburg Seminary and Academy 2.png]]  '''Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) Theological Seminary and Academy'''


From the time he was a student, Vladimir Mikhailovich took part in the work of inter-Christian organisations.  As a delegate, he participated as a layman in General Assemblies of the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/World-Council-of-Churches World Council of Churches] (WCC) : the 4th ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uppsala Uppsala], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Sweden/media/1/576478/191919 Sweden, 1968]) ; as an [https://orthodoxwiki/Archimandrite archimandrite] in the 5th ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Nairobi Nairobi], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenya Kenya], 1975) ; as an [https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/776.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc archbishop] in the 6th ([https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/vancouver Vancouver], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canada Canada], 1983) ; and as a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop#Archbishops_and_Metropolitans metropolitan] in the 7th ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Canberra Canberra], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Australia Australia], 1991).  He participated in the [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1758-6631.1995.tb02701.x World Missionary Conference] “Salvation Today” ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Bangkok Bangkok], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand Thailand], 1973).  He was president of the [https://www.jstor.org/stable/688832?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents World Conference “Faith, Science and the Future”] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston], [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States USA], 1979) ; and he took part in the [https://www.jstor.org/stable/27661797?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents World Convocation “Peace, Justice and Integrity of the Creation”] ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Seoul Seoul], [https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Korea South Korea], 1979) ; and in the assemblies of the [https://www.oikoumene.org/en/what-we-do/faith-and-order WCC Faith and Order Commission] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accra Accra], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ghana Ghana], 1974), [https://www.britannica.com/place/Lima Lima], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peru Peru], 1982, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budapest Budapest], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Hungary Hungary], 1989.

==Monastic tonsure, 1969==

On 3 April, 1969, [[Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)]] of Leningrad and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Veliky-Novgorod Novgorod] [https://orthochristian.com/101607.html tonsured] Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev to be a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Monk monk].  He was given the name Kirill.

==Diaconal ordination, 1969==

On 7 April, 1969, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad and Novgorod ordained Monk Kirill (Gundyaev) to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Diaconate].  

==Presbyteral ordination, 1969==

On 1 June, 1969, Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) of Leningrad and Novgorod ordained [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Deacon Hierodeacon] Kirill (Gundyaev) to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Priesthood].  


[[File:Hieromonk Kirill (Gundyaev) 1.png]]  '''Hieromonk Kirill (Gundyaev)'''

==Bereavement, 1969==

On 31 October, 1969, Priest Vasiliy S Gundyaev fell asleep in the Lord in Obrochnik, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordovia Mordovian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic] (south of Nizhny Novgorod).

His grandsons, Archpriest Nikolay M Gundyaev and Hieromonk Kirill (Gundyaev) led the [https://orthodoxcanada.ca/res/reading/funeral/Funeral_Bishop_or_Priest.pdf Funeral Services for the Burial of a Presbyter], and also the service for the interment which followed.

==Pastoral service==

From 1970 to 1971, the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Presbyter Hieromonk] (Priestmonk) Kirill (Gundyaev) taught [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Dogma Dogmatic Theology], and he acted as the rector’s assistant for students’ affairs at the Leningrad Theological Schools.  At the same time, he worked as the personal secretary to Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov), and as the supervising instructor of the first-year seminarians. 


[[File:Assistant to Metropolitan NikodimS.png]] '''Secretary to Metropolitan Nikodim'''


On 12 September, 1971, the Hieromonk Kirill (Gundyaev) was elevated to the dignity of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Archimandrite archimandrite].  

Archimandrite Kirill was the first representative of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Russian Orthodox Church] in [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Syndesmos “SYNDESMOS, the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth”].  From 1971 to 1977, he was a member of the SYNDESMOS executive committee, and he was also a delegate to its 8th ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston Boston], 1971), 9th ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Geneva-Switzerland Geneva], 1977), 10th ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland Finland], 1980), and 14th ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Moscow Moscow], 1992) general assemblies (after 1976, he participated as bishop, archbishop and metropolitan). 

As a member of various official delegations, he visited all the Local ([https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autocephaly autocephalous] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Autonomy autonomous]) Orthodox Churches, and he accompanied [[Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov)]]  and [[Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)]] on their trips abroad.

Commissioned by the [https://mospat.ru/en/documents/ustav/v/ Holy Synod of Bishops] (the supreme authority) of the Russian Orthodox Church, he took part in maintaining good relations with churches in : 
  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentina Argentina], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia Australia], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium Belgium], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Chile Chile], [https://www.britannica.com/place/China China], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo Congo], [https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/country-profiles/czechia_en Czechia], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Ethiopia Ethiopia], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland Finland], [https://www.britannica.com/place/France France], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany Germany], 
  [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom Great Britain], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Greece Greece], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland Holland], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland Iceland], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India India], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India Italy], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Jamaica Jamaica], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan Japan], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Laos Laos], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand New Zealand], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway Norway], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poland Poland], 
  [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slovakia Slovakia], [https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa South Africa], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain Spain], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Sri-Lanka Sri Lanka], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland Switzerland], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand Thailand], [https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States the USA], and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo Zaire].  

From 1971 to 1974, Archimandrite Kirill (Gundyaev) served as the Moscow Patriarchate’s representative at the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Council_of_Churches World Council of Churches] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Geneva-Switzerland Geneva], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Switzerland Switzerland].  

==Bereavement, 1974==

On 13 October, 1974, Archpriest Mikhail V Gundyaev fell asleep in the Lord in Leningrad, USSR.

Archpriest Nikolay M Gundyaev and Archimandrite Kirill (Gundyaev) led the [http://www.archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-presbyter-or-over-bishop Funeral Service for the Burial of a Presbyter], and the service of interment which followed.  

'''Further pastoral service'''

From 26 December, 1974, to 26 December, 1984, Archimandrite Kirill (Gundyaev) served as the rector of the Leningrad Seminary and Theological Academy.  

From 1975 to 1982, Archimandrite (and later Bishop) Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as the chairman of the Leningrad Diocesan Council.  

From 1975 to 1998, Archimandrite (and later Bishop) Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve (after he was elected) as a member of the Central and Executive Committees of the World Council of Churches.  

In 1976, Archimandrite Kirill (Gundyaev) was elected by the Holy Synod of Bishops to become a [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bishop bishop].  

==Episcopal ordination, 1976==

On 14 March, 1976, Archimandrite Kirill (Gundyaev) was ordained to the Holy [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Episcopate Episcopate] in Leningrad.  The ordination took place in the [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25D0%2593%25D1%2583%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B4%25D1%258F%25D0%25B5%25D0%25B2,_%25D0%259D%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9_%25D0%259C%25D0%25B8%25D1%2585%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9%25D0%25BB%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B2%25D0%25B8%25D1%2587&prev=search Holy Trinity Cathedral] of the [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25D0%2593%25D1%2583%25D0%25BD%25D0%25B4%25D1%258F%25D0%25B5%25D0%25B2,_%25D0%259D%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BE%25D0%25BB%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9_%25D0%259C%25D0%25B8%25D1%2585%25D0%25B0%25D0%25B9%25D0%25BB%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B2%25D0%25B8%25D1%2587&prev=search Alexander Nevsky Monastery].  The ordaining bishops were : [[Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)]] of Leningrad ; [[Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko) |Metropolitan Filaret (Denysenko)]] of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyiv Kiev] ; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juvenal_(Poyarkov) Metropolitan Juvenaly (Poyarkov)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tula,_Russia Tula] ; [[Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan) |Archbishop Vladimir (Sabodan)]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dmitrov Dmitrov] ; [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BA_(%D0%9B%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Melchizedek (Lebedev)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penza Penza] ; [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD_(%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%91%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Meliton (Solovyov)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikhvin Tikhvin] ; [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A5%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC_(%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Chrysostom (Martishkin)] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kursk Kursk]. 


[[File:Bishop Kirill (Gundyayev).jpg]] '''Bishop Kirill (Gundyaev)'''

==Episcopal service==

==Bishop of Vyborg, 1976==

Bishop Kirill (Gundyaev was assigned to serve as the Bishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyborg Vyborg] (Viipuri), and as [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Vicar Vicar-Bishop] of the Leningrad diocese.  This city is on the north coast of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Finland Gulf of Finland], between Saint Petersburg and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Helsinki Helsinki], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland Finland]. 

From 1976 to 1978, Bishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as the Deputy Patriarchal [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Exarch Exarch] for the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Patriarchal_Exarchate_for_Orthodox_Parishes_of_Russian_Tradition_in_Western_Europe Russian Orthodox parishes] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Europe Western Europe].  

From 1976 to 1984, Bishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the Holy Synod commission for Christian unity.

He also participated in the first Pre-Council [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-Orthodox_Council Pan-Orthodox Conference] (Chambésy, 1976) and he was a member of the Inter-Orthodox Commission for the Preparation of a Holy and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Council_of_2016 Great Council] of the canonical [https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_autocephalous_and_autonomous_churches autocephalous Churches] of the [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eastern-Orthodoxy Eastern Orthodox Church] ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregny-Chambésy Chambésy], 1993, 1999).   

On 2 September, 1977, Bishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was elevated to the dignity of [https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/776.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc archbishop].

==Archbishop of Vyborg, 1977==

From 1978 to 1984, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as the administrator of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church_in_Finland Patriarchal Parishes in Finland].  

From 1978 to 1988, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianization_of_Kievan_Rus%27 Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’] Preparatory Commission. 

==Bereavement, 1984==

On 2 November, 1984, Matushka Raisa Vladimirovna Gundayeva (born Kuchina) fell asleep in the Lord in Saint Petersburg.

Her sons, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) of Vyborg, and Archpriest Nikolay M Gundyaev led the Funeral [http://www.archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-orthodox-lay-persons Services for the Burial of a Lay-person].  They also led the service of interment which followed the funeral obsequies. 

==Archbishop of Smolensk and Vyazma, 1984==

On 26 December, 1984, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was transferred, and he was assigned to serve as the Archbishop of [https://www.britannica.com/place/Smolensk-Russia Smolensk] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyazma Vyazma]. 

In June, 1985, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) visited the parish of the [[Montréal QC Sign of the Theotokos Orthodox Church 1978 |Sign of the Theotokos]], a parish in [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/montreal/ Montréal], [https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/quebec/ Québec], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Canada Canada] ([https://www.archdiocese.ca/ Archdiocese of Canada], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America]).  He has also visited other parishes across Canada.  

From 1986 to 1988, he was assigned to serve also as the administrator of the parishes in the [https://www.britannica.com/place/Kaliningrad-city-Kaliningrad-oblast-Russia Kaliningrad Region].  

==Archbishop of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, 1988==

In 1988, the title of Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was changed to be Archbishop of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smolensk Smolensk] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliningrad Kaliningrad]. 

Archbishop Kirill was a member of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_Local_Council_of_the_Russian_Orthodox_Church Local Jubilee Council] of the Russian Orthodox Church (June, 1988, in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sergiyev_Posad Zagorsk]), chairman of its drafting committee, and author of the draft [https://mospat.ru/en/documents/ustav/ Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church] adopted by that council.  He participated in the Bishops’ Council devoted to the 400th anniversary of the restoration of the patriarchal office (October, 1989) ; the extraordinary Bishops’ Council on 30-31 January, 1990 ; as well as the Local Councils in June, 1990, and the Bishops’ Councils in October, 1991 ; March-April, 1992 ; June, 1992 ; November-December, 1994 ; February, 1997 ; August, 2000 ; October, 2004 ; and June, 2008. 


[[File:Greeting Archbishop KirillS.png]] '''Greeting Archbishop Kirill'''


[[File:Reporting to the Bishops SoborS.png]] '''Reporting to the Bishops' Sobor'''

==Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations, 1989==

On 13 November, 1989, Archbishop Kirill was assigned to serve as the chairman of the [https://mospat.ru/en/department/ Department for External Church Relations] (the 5th to serve in this capacity), and as a permanent member of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Synod Holy Synod of Bishops]. 


[[File:1989 intervuew 1.png]]  '''Metropolitan Kirill, interview after his assignment, 1989'''


From 1989 to 1996, Archbishop Kirill was assigned to serve as the administrator of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodoxy_in_Hungary Hungarian Orthodox] Deanery.  

In 1990, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the preparatory commission for the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church.  

In 1990, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the Commission for Assistance in Overcoming the Consequences of the [https://www.britannica.com/event/Chernobyl-disaster Chernobyl accident].  

From 1990 to 1991, Archbishop Kirill was assigned to serve as the temporary administrator of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_The_Hague_and_the_Netherlands/ Diocese] of [https://www.britannica.com/place/The-Hague The Hague] and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Netherlands The Netherlands].

From 1990 to 1993, Archbishop Kirill was assigned to serve as the temporary administrator of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Russian_Orthodox_Diocese_of_Chersonese Diocese] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi Korsun].  

From 1990 to 1993, Archbishop Kirill was assigned to serve as the chairman of the Holy Synod Commission for Reviving Religious and Moral Education and Charity.  

As chairman of the Holy Synod’s Commission for Reviving Religious and Moral Education and Charity, he initiated the establishment of Synodal departments for religious education, social service and charity, and for co-operation with the Army and law-enforcement agencies.  He was the author of the “Plan for Reviving Charity and Religious Education”, which was adopted by the Holy Synod on 30 January, 1991.  He also developed and presented to the Holy Synod the “Plan of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Co-operation with the Armed Forces”, in 1994.  

Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) represented the Russian Orthodox Church in the commission for drafting the 1990 Law on Freedom of Religions, and the 1997 Federal Law on Freedom of Conscience and on Religious Associations.  He also took part in developing the Church’s position and peacemaking actions during the events of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Soviet_coup_d%27état_attempt August, 1991], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Russian_constitutional_crisis October, 1993].  

From 1990 to 2000, Archbishop Kirill was assigned to serve as the chairman of the Holy Synod Commission for Amendments to the [https://mospat.ru/en/documents/ustav/ Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church].  The Statute was adopted by the Jubilee Bishops’ Council in 2000.

==Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, 1991==

On 25 February, 1991, Archbishop Kirill (Gundyaev) was elevated to the dignity of [https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/christianity/christianity-general/metropolitan metropolitan].  


[[File:Metropolitan Kirill visitingS.png]] '''Metropolitan Kirill visiting'''


Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was the initiator of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Russian_People%27s_Council World Russian People’s Council] in 1993.  

From 1994 to 2000, Metropolitan Kirill directed the drafting of the [https://mospat.ru/en/documents/social-concepts/ Basic Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church] and its presentation to the Jubilee Bishops’ Council in 2000.  

From 1994 to 2002, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the Public Board for Restoration of the [http://www.pravoslavie.ru/86793.html Church of Christ the Saviour] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Moscow Moscow].  

From 1994 to 1996, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Foreign_Affairs_(Russia) Russian Foreign Ministry Council for Foreign Policy].  

From 1995 to 1999, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as a member of the "Russian Organising Committee for Events Commemorating the 1941-1945 [https://russiapedia.rt.com/russian-history/the-great-patriotic-war/ Great Patriotic War]" ([https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II World War II]).  

From 1995 to 2000, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was assigned to serve as the chairman of the "[https://patriarch-patriarchia-ru.translate.goog/osnovy-sotsialnoy-kontseptsii-russkoy-pravoslavnoy-tserkvi/?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Synodal Working-group for Elaborating a Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church on Church-state Relations and Problems of Modern Society as a Whole]".  

From 1996 to 2000, Metropolitan Kirill was assigned to serve as a member of the supervisory board of the 50th Anniversary of the Victory Foundation.  

Metropolitan Kirill was involved actively in peacemaking activities for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breakup_of_Yugoslavia Yugoslavia].  He travelled many times to [https://www.britannica.com/place/Belgrade Belgrade] in order to hold negotiations with the country’s leaders.  IN addition, he initiated the establishment of a non-official international Christian peace group for Yugoslavia ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna Vienna], May, 1999), and the convocation of an international inter-Christian conference to consider the theme “[https://mitropolia-spb-ru.translate.goog/news/av/?id=18419&_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Europe after the Kosovo Crisis : Further Actions by Churches]” ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Oslo Oslo], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway Norway], November, 1999).  

Metropolitan Kirill took an active part in normalising the ecclesiastical [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodoxy_in_Estonia situation in Estonia].  In doing so, he visited the Patriarchates of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Antioch Antioch] and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Jerusalem Jerusalem] during his trip to [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/31754.html&prev=search Lebanon], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Syria Syria], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Jordan Jordan] and [https://www.britannica.com/place/Israel Israel] in 1996.  He also participated in negotiations with the Patriarchate of [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Orthodox-Church-of-Constantinople Constantinople] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Zurich Zurich], Switzerland : 
  in March, and twice in April, 1996 ; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thessaloniki Thessaloniki] ; [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallinn Tallinn], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens Athens] in 1996 ; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odessa Odessa] in 
  1997 ; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geneva Geneva] in 1996 ; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moscow Moscow], Geneva, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z%C3%BCrich Zurich] in 2000 ; in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna Vienna], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin Berlin], and Zurich in 
  2001 ; and in Moscow and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul Istanbul] in 2003.  He also made repeated visits to [https://www.britannica.com/place/Estonia Estonia] in order 
  to conduct negotiations with government officials, parliament members, and the business community
  in that country. 

In July, 2002, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was present for the last part of the [https://oca.org/history-archives/aacs/the-13th-all-american-council Thirteenth All-American Council] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Church_in_America The Orthodox Church in America] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida Orlando], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida Florida].  He witnessed the election of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_(Swaiko) Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)] to become the Metropolitan of All America and Canada.  During the proceedings, he addressed the assembly twice.  

In April, 2005, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) [http://www.vatican.va/gpII/documents/delegazioni-rel-esequie-jp-ii_20050408_en.html led a delegation] of the Russian Orthodox Church to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral_of_Pope_John_Paul_II funeral of Pope John Paul II] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Rome Rome].  

In November, 2005, Metropolitan Kirill led a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church to the enthronement of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theophilus_III_(Giannopoulos)_of_Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III (Giannopoulos)] of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Jerusalem Church of Jerusalem].  

From 2006 to 2008, Metropolitan Kirill was assigned to serve as the leader of the working-group for elaborating a “[https://www-patriarchia-ru.translate.goog/db/text/428616.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Basic Teaching of the Russian Orthodox Church on Human Dignity, Freedom, and Rights]”.  

In 2008, Metropolitan Kirill was assigned to serve as the chairman of the "Council of Economy and Ethics Experts" under the Department for External Church Relations (now the "[https://www-patriarchia-ru.translate.goog/db/text/705176.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Council of Economy and Ethics]" under the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia).  

On 6 December, 2008, after the repose of [[Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)]] on 5 December, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) of Smolensk was chosen by the Holy Synod to be the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locum Locum Tenens] of the Patriarchal Throne.

==Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, 2009==

On 27 January, 2009, the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church elected Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) to become the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Patriarch Patriarch] of Moscow and All Russia.  

In Moscow on 1 February, 2009, Metropolitan Kirill (Gundyaev) was [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enthronement enthroned] to be the [https://mospat.ru/en/documents/ustav/iv/ Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia].  


[[File:EntrhonementS.png]] '''At the enthronement'''

==Patriarchal service==

After his installation, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) began to make the customary series of fraternal visits to the heads of the other [https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_autocephalous_and_autonomous_churches Autocephalous Orthodox Churches] throughout the world.  It began with the fraternal visit in July, 2009, to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bartholomew_I_(Archontonis)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew I (Archontonis)] of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Constantinople Constantinople].

In late July, 2009, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) made a [https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2009/jul/28/kirill-ukraine-russia-orthodox visit to Ukraine], where he presided at services with [[Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_(Moscow_Patriarchate) Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)].  Despite the suspicions of some, he has insisted that he has been concerned with promoting a unified and canonical independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church.  


[[File:Patriarch Kirill of Moscow.jpg]] '''Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)'''


[[File:Preparing while flying S.png]] '''Patriarch at work with documents while flying'''


On 20 May, 2015, [[Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)]] of Moscow and All Russia blessed a stele in [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A3%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ulyanovsk] in memory of Patriarch Sergiy.  It was installed at the place where the wooden church was located, at the place where the evacuated Moscow Patriarchate Locum Tenens who was transferred at the end of 1941 had a residence.  This Temple had been dedicated as the temporary Patriarchal Kazan Cathedral (demolished in 1959).  

In February, 2016, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Francis Pope Francis (Bergoglio)] of Rome met in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Havana Havana], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Cuba Cuba].  At that time, they issued a document known as the “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Declaration_of_Pope_Francis_and_Patriarch_Kirill Havana Declaration]”.  

In March, 2016, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) visited [https://www.britannica.com/place/Antarctica  Antarctica] (and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_Church_(Antarctica) the Temple of the Holy Trinity] that was constructed there).  At that time, he also spoke about the benefit of [https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/patriarch-of-moscow-praises-franklin-graham-vows-to-work-with-evangelicals dialogue with Evangelical Christians].  

On 19 October, 2016, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) “[https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-37702914/russia-s-patriarch-kirill-urges-holy-war-on-terror urged] all countries to unite in what he called a holy war on terrorism”.  

On 13 August, 2017, in Arzamas, during the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Patriarch Sergiy (Stragorodsky), Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) served a Divine Liturgy and unveiled a monument to Patriarch Sergiy.  

Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of Moscow and All Russia said about Patriarch Sergiy :
  It is impossible to measure the whole scale of the personality of His Holiness Patriarch Sergiy. He 
  did not give the godless authorities an excuse to destroy the Church and wipe them off the face of 
  the earth, citing political reasons.  Although in the 30s, terrible persecutions began, associated 
  with the closure of most of the Temples remaining at that time, with the destruction of almost the 
  entire episcopate and clergy, nevertheless, the core of the Church was preserved [...].  We reached 
  the 90s, when the position of the Church in our country changed [for the good].  We remained very 
  hard-pressed.  We were all criticised - both by our own and by those outside.  No-one considered it 
  possible to revive the Russian Church, especially those who entered our country as some crusaders 
  in the early 90s, who wanted to eradicate the remains of the Orthodox Faith and to convert our people 
  to a different faith.  But they were mistaken, because the humble service of the Church, which was 
  made possible thanks to the feat of life of His Holiness Sergiy, led to the emergence of a new 
  generation of the episcopate, the clergy, capable of protecting the Church and strengthening the 
  Faith of Christ.  There would have been nothing of this, there would have been no ministers of my 
  next generation, if Patriarch Sergiy, having given up his authority, had not done what he had done, 
  stopping the hand of the persecutors.  
  
  Around such personalities as Patriarch Sergiy, they will never stop arguing and trying to prove 
  something, because always, such disputes have ideological connotations.  The humble Patriarch Sergiy 
  could not reveal the full historical truth, as it were, but he offered his example as an influence 
  on his followers, on the whole Russian Orthodox Church.  All those who defended Patriarch Sergiy in 
  the most difficult years have witnessed with their lives loyalty to Christ and the Russian 
  Orthodox Church.  

On 29 April, 2018, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) [https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-orthodox-church-patriarch-kirill-albania/29199839.html made a fraternal visit] to [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Anastasios_(Yannoulatos)_of_Albania Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos)] and the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Albania Church of Albania].

==Increasing difficulties faced in 2018 and afterwards==

[http://www.lastampa.it/2018/08/07/vaticaninsider/patriarch-kirill-to-meet-patriarch-bartholomew-on-aug-a-risky-opportunity-SvPAT2arfTSwFjXONc6EVM/pagina.html A meeting] between Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bartholomew_I_(Archontonis)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew I (Archontonis)] was arranged for 31 August, 2018, in order to discuss various matters, including those regarding the whole of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.  

Despite all the efforts undertaken by Patriarch Kirill to resume fraternal dialogue, an appointment to Kiev followed already in September of 2 "exarchs" of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_Patriarchate_of_Constantinople Throne of Constantinople], which was a gross violation of church canons.  Moreover, the "exarchs" did not present themselves to [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Onufry_(Berezovskiy) Metropolitan Onufry (Berezovskiy)] (the custom in practice everywhere).  This behaviour is a wordless declaration of a rupture of communion.  It received a proper assessment from the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church : prayerful commemoration of the name of the Patriarch of Constantinople at Patriarchal services in the Russian Orthodox Church was stopped ; concelebrations with the hierarchs of the Patriarchate of Constantinople were suspended.  The Holy Synod gave its blessing to offer up in all Temples of the Russian Orthodox Church at the Liturgy special fervent prayers for the unity of the Holy Orthodox Church. 

On 11 October, 2018, the Patriarchate of Constantinople announced the following decisions taken by its Synod : “to grant [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodox_Church_of_Ukraine autocephaly to the Ukrainian Church]” (the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church did not request this) ; to “restore” in holy rank the leaders of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Orthodox_Church_%E2%80%93_Kyiv_Patriarchate Ukrainian schism], “cancelling” all the canonical bans imposed on them and indiscriminately accepting all of them and their followers into “church communion” ; to “cancel” the action of the conciliar charter signed 332 years before on the transfer of the Kyiv Metropolis to the Moscow Patriarchate ; to open their "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stauropegion stavropegia]" (representation Temple) in Kyiv (they were given the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Andrew%27s_Church,_Kyiv Sobor of Saint Andrew in Kyiv] for the purpose).  Despite the hypocritical call of Constantinople to “refrain” from the seizure of churches and violence “for the sake of peace and love”, in reality the pressure exerted on the bishops, clergy, monastics and laity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (who do not want to participate in anti-canonical deeds) continued and increased.  

Under these conditions, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, chaired by Patriarch Kirill, at [https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-orthodox-church-holds-synod-in-minsk-over-ukraine-church-schism/29543919.html a meeting in Minsk, Belarus], on 15 October, 2018, considered that they were forced to make the only possible decision : “In view of the ongoing anti-canonical actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, it is impossible to continue to stay in Eucharistic communion with them”.  

On 15 December, 2018, the so-called “[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_council_of_the_Eastern_Orthodox_churches_of_Ukraine unification council]” was held in Kyiv, on the presidium of which sat, in particular, the hierarch of the Church of Constantinople, and the then President of Ukraine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petro_Poroshenko P Poroshenko].  The result of this meeting was the creation of a new structure from several schismatic organisations which was called the "Orthodox Church of Ukraine", which on 6 January, 2019, was given a “tomos of autocephaly” by Patriarch Bartholomew. 

The decisions taken by Constantinople were not supported by many other [https://orthodoxwiki.org/List_of_autocephalous_and_autonomous_churches Local Orthodox Churches].  However, some time later, under pressure from the Patriarchate of Constantinople, the primates of 3 of them - Hellas/Greece (October, 2019), Alexandria (November, 2019), and then Cyprus (October, 2020) expressed their readiness to commemorate the leader of the Ukrainian schismatics [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphanius_I_of_Ukraine Epiphany Dumenko] as the head of the "Church in Ukraine".  In connexion with these events, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church decided to exclude [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theodoros_II_(Choreftakis)_of_Alexandria Patriarch Theodore II (Choreftakis) of Alexandria], [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Chrysostomos_II_(Demetriou)_of_Nea_Justiniana Archbishop Chrysostom II (Demetriou) of Cyprus], and [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Ieronymos_(Kotsonis)_of_Athens Archbishop Jerome (Kotsonis) of Athens and All Hellas] from the diptychs for commemoration at Divine Liturgy ; and to stop Eucharistic communion with them, as well as with those hierarchs of these Churches who will pray together with representatives of the schism.

In communion with the Primates and representatives of the Local Orthodox Churches and in public speeches, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' tirelessly continued to call for the preservation of the canonical structure of Church life, and he stressed the need for a conciliar discussion and solution to the existing problems.

Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' and the Holy Synod supported the initiative of the Patriarch of Jerusalem to hold a [https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/6-march/news/world/orthodox-leaders-exchange-words-over-contested-amman-summit fraternal meeting of the Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches in Amman] (Jordan) in order to discuss the situation in the Orthodox world.  The meeting (which took place on 26 February, 2020) was attended by representatives of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church headed by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Theophilus_III_(Giannopoulos)_of_Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III (Giannopoulos) of Jerusalem] ; the Russian Orthodox Church headed by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' ; the Serbian Orthodox Church headed by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Irinej_(Gavrilovi%C4%87)_of_Serbia Patriarch Irinej (Gavrilović) of Serbia] ; the Romanian Orthodox Church, headed by [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9D%D0%B8%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD_(%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%85%D1%8D%D0%B9%D1%86%D1%8D)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Metropolitan Nifon (Miheytse) of Targoviste] ; the Polish Orthodox Church, headed by [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Abel_(Poplavsky)_of_Lublin Archbishop Abel (Poplavsky) of Lublin and Kholm] ; and the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, headed by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastislav_(Gont) Metropolitan Rostislav (Gont) of the Czech Lands and Slovakia].  It is assumed that the "Amman format" could become a platform for further consultations on this matter.

In bilateral contacts with the Local Orthodox Churches, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' followed the desire to develop inter-church relations ; to work together for the sake of preserving Orthodox unity to witness to the truth of Orthodoxy in the world, and to provide fraternal assistance if necessary.  Thus, with the assistance of the Russian Orthodox Church (at the expense of Russian philanthropists) the buildings of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convent_of_Saint_Thecla_(Maaloula) Monastery of Saint Thekla] of the Patriarchate of Antioch, captured by militants during the Syrian war, were restored in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maaloula Maaloula] ; and the [https://orthochristian.com/138393.html hospital of the Antiochian Orthodox Church "Al-Hosn" was refurbished].  In addition, with the financial support of the Russian state and the assistance of the Russian Orthodox Church, the [https://www.serbia.com/church-saint-sava-orthodox-heart-belgrade/ Church of Saint Sava], built in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, was [https://orthochristian.com/102158.html#:~:text=Russian%20specialists%20have%20created%20unique%20and%20unprecedented%20large-scale,the%20site%20of%20the%20Russian%20Ministry%20of%20Culture. decorated with unique mosaics].

==Bereavement, 2021==

On 30 December, 2021, Mitred Archpriest Nikolay M Gundyaev fell asleep in the Lord in Saint Petersburg, Russia.  He had been ill for a long time.

On 2 January, 2022, the [http://www.archbishop-of-ottawa.org/content/burial-services-over-presbyter-or-over-bishop Funeral Service of the Burial of a Presbyter] was served at the Transfiguration Sobor in Saint Petersburg by his younger brother, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev).  

After the funeral obsequies, the interment of Mitred Archpriest Nikolay Gundyaev took place at the Nikolsky Cemetery of the Saint Alexander Nevsky Lavra.  





— Bishop of Vyborg (Viipuri) 1976-1977.  Preceded by : ____.  Succeeded by : ____.

— Deputy Patriarchal Exarch for Western Europe  1976-1978.

— Archbishop of Vyborg (Viipuri) 1977-1984.  

— Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Finland 1978-1984.  

— Archbishop of Smolensk and Vyazma 1984-1988.  Preceded by : ____.

— Administrator of the parishes in the Kaliningrad Region 1986-1988.  

— Archbishop of Smolensk and Kaliningrad 1988-1991.  The diocese title was changed.   

— 5th Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate 1989-2009.  Preceded by : [[Metropolitan Philaret (Vakhromeyev)]].  Succeeded by : [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Hilarion_(Alfeyev)_of_Volokolamsk Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev)]. 

— Temporary administrator of the Diocese of The Hague and The Netherlands 1990-1991. 

— Temporary administrator of the Diocese of Korsun 1990-1993.  

— Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad 1991-2009.   Succeeded by : [http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/1220632.html Metropolitan Isidor (Tupikin)].

— Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia 2009-____.  Preceded by : [[Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)]].  Succeeded by : ____.  





[[File:Patriarch Kirill 1.png]]

==Reflections==

As is usually the case with patriarchs and other heads of local Churches, there is criticism (often politicised) of their behaviours and decisions by those within the Church who disagree with them about one or another matter, and by those outside the Church who have a different perception of the world and of situations.  An assessment of such a person cannot be limited to one or even several matters.  Rather, it must consider the whole of the person's life and service.  For an Orthodox Christian, a main criterion in discernment (or “litmus test”) is the Dominical saying, “By their fruits you will know them” :
  ‘Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.  
  You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  Even 
  so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad 
  fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and 
  thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them’ (Matthew 7:15-20).  

'''Summary :'''
  
By the time of Metropolitan Kirill’s election to the Patriarchal See, he had been :

• Permanent member of the Holy Synod, from 1989 

• Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations, from 1989 

• Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Finland, from 1990 

• Member of the Synodal Theological Commission, from February, 1994 

• Member of the Patriarchal and Synodal Bible Commission, from 1990 

• Co-chairman (from 1993) and deputy head (from 1995) of the World Russian People’s Council and chairman of the Smolensk and Kaliningrad branches of the WRPC (from 1997) 

• Member of the Provincial Movement Council, from 1993 

• Member of the Russian Palestinian Society 

• Anchorman of the 'Word of a Pastor' television programme on the national First Channel, from 1994

• Honourary President of the Religion and Peace World Conference, from 1994 

• Member of the Presidential Council for Co-operation with Religious Organisations, from 1995 

• Member of the Presidential Commission for State Prizes in Literature and Art, from 1995 

• Honourary member of the Moscow Intellectuals and Businessmen Club, from 1995 

• Co-chairman of the Christian Inter-confessional Advisory Committee from 1996 

• Member of the Interreligious Council in Russia presidium, from 1998 

• Editor-in-chief of the 'Tserkov i vremya' magazine from 1991, of the 'Smolenskie eparhialnye vedomosti' from 1993, and of the 'Pravoslavny palomnik' from 2001 

• Member of the supervisory board of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Cathedral_of_Christ_the_Saviour_(Moscow) Church of Christ the Saviour], from 2002 

• Co-chair of the Council of European Religious Leaders, from 2002 

• Chairman of the organising committee for the Orthodox Russia Exhibition, from 2003 

• Co-chair of the working group for co-operation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Foreign Ministry, from 2003 

• Chairman of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_of_Independent_States CIS] Interreligious Council executive committee, from 2004 

• Member of the CIS Interreligious Council presidium, from 2004 

• Chairman for the commission for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Believers Old-Believers’] parishes and co-operation with the Old-Believers community, from 2005 

• Russian Orthodox Church on interreligious relations, from 2005 

• Chairman of the working group for drafting a document stating the position of the Russian Orthodox Church on globalisation, from 2005 

• Member of the Joint Commission for the Nationalities Policy and Relations between the State and Religious Organisations, from 2006 

• Co-chair of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, from 2006 

• Patriarchal Locum Tenens, from 6 December, 2008, until 1 February, 2009  


'''Degrees, and academic experience :'''

• Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) holds the degree of Candidate [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_of_Theology (Doctor) of Theology] from the Leningrad Theological Academy (1970), and the degree of Doctor of Theology '[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorary_degree honoris causa]' from the Theological Academy in Budapest (1987).  

• From 1974 to 1984 : associate professor of Patrology at the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Petersburg_Theological_Academy Leningrad Theological Academy]. 

• From 1986 : an honourary member of the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy.  

• From 1992 :  a member of the Academy of Creativity. 

• From 1994 :  an honourary member of the [https://bj-ieaschina-org.translate.goog/ru/organization/introduce.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc  Eurasia International Academy]. 

• From 1996 :  an honourary professor at the Military Academy (now University) of the Land Forces’ Anti-missile Defence. 

• From 1997 :  a full member of the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%90%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%8F?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Academy of Russian Language and Literature]. 

• From 2002 :  a full member of the [https://rgsu-net.translate.goog/about/activity/rasn/?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Academy of Social and Humanitarian Sciences].  

• From 2003 :  a member of the Russian Public Academy of Social Sciences.  

• In 2002 :  received the degree Doctor of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_science Political Sciences] 'honoris causa' from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Perugia State University of Perugia], Italy. 

• In 2004 :  named an honourary professor of the [https://smolensk-ucheba-ru.translate.goog/uz/20134?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Smolensk Humanitarian University]. 

• In 2005 :  named an honourary professor of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrakhan_State_University Astrakhan University].  

• In 2005 :  received a Doctoral Degree 'honoris causa' from the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9_%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D1%81%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9_%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%82?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Russian National Social University].  

• In 2006 :  named an honourary professor of the [https://army--today-ru.translate.goog/vuzy/bvmi?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Ushakov Baltic Naval Institute].  

• In 2007 :  named an honourary president of the [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%90%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9_%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Academy of Russian Literature and Language].  

• In 2007 :  received a Doctoral Degree 'honoris causa' from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_the_Great_St._Petersburg_Polytechnic_University Saint Petersburg State Polytechnic University].   


'''Awards :'''

'''Awards of the Russian Orthodox Church '''

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Saint_Vladimir Order of the Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Duke Vladimir], 2nd degree, 1973 

• [https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/26161.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=nui,sc Order of Saint Sergius of Radonezh], 2nd degree, 1986 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%A1%D0%B2%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%BA%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B7%D1%8F_%D0%94%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B0_%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of the Holy Prince Daniel of Moscow], 1st degree, 1996 

• [https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/26186.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Saint Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomna], 2nd degree, 2001 

• Order of Saint Sergius of Radonezh, 1st degree, 2004 

• [https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/26159.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow and All Russia], 2nd degree, 2006 


'''Orders of the Self-governing and Autonomous Churches of the Russian Orthodox Church '''

• Order of [https://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/saints/anthony_theodosius.htm Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves], 1st degree (Ukrainian Orthodox Church), 2006 

• Order ‘[https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2018/07/saint-stephen-great-prince-of-moldavia.html Blessed Voivod Holy Stephen the Great]’, 2nd degree (Orthodox Church of Moldova), 2006 

• Order of the [https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2013/01/holy-hieromartyr-isidore-and-72-with.html Holy Martyr Isidore Yurievsky], 1st degree (Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate), 2009 

• Order in Honour of the 450th Anniversary of bringing the [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2015/07/23/102074-icon-of-the-mother-of-god-of-pochaev Pochayev Icon of the Mother of God] to the Land of Volyn (Ukrainian Orthodox Church), 2009 

• Order of [https://orthochristian.com/137142.html Saint Theodosius of Chernigov] (Ukrainian Orthodox Church), 2011 


'''Awards of the Local Orthodox Churches '''

• Order of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Sabbas_the_Sanctified Saint Sabbas the Sanctified], 2nd degree (Orthodox Church of Alexandria), 2007 

• Gold Medal of [http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Saint_Innocent_(Veniaminov) Saint Innocent] (Orthodox Church in America), 2010

• Memorial Medal of [https://orthodoxwiki.org/St._Vladimir%27s_Orthodox_Theological_Seminary_(Crestwood,_New_York)  Saint Vladimir's Theological Seminary] (Orthodox Church in America), 2010

• Grand Cross of the Order of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Mark Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark] (Orthodox Church of Alexandria), 2010 

• Order of the [https://orthochristian.com/62734.html Holy Apostles Peter and Paul], 1st degree (Orthodox Church of Antioch), 2011 

• Gold Medal of the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_Barnabas Holy Apostle Barnabas] (Cypriot Orthodox Church), 2012  

• Order of the [https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2001/07/22/102070-myrrhbearer-and-equal-of-the-apostles-mary-magdalene Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene], 1st degree) (Polish Orthodox Church), 2012 

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre Order of the Life-bearing Holy Sepulchre] ‘Grand Cross of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood’ (Jerusalem Orthodox Church), 2012 


'''Awards from other religious organisations and Christian denominations '''

• Order of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geevarghese_Gregorios_of_Parumala Saint Gregory of Parumala] (Malankara Church, India), 2006 

• Order of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_the_Illuminator Saint Gregory the Illuminator] (Armenian Apostolic Church), 2010 

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allahshukur_Pashazadeh Order ‘Sheikh-ul-Islam’] (Caucasian Muslims Office), 2011 

• Order for Services before the Ummah, 1st degree (Co-ordination Centre of Muslims of the North Caucasus), 2012 


'''State awards of the Russian Federation'''

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%94%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%B1%D1%8B_%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of the Friendship of the Peoples], 1988 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%94%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%B1%D1%8B_(%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Friendship], 1995 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%AE%D0%B1%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F_%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%C2%AB300_%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82_%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B9%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D1%83_%D1%84%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%82%D1%83%C2%BB?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Jubilee Medal ‘300th Anniversary of the Russian Fleet’], 1996 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C_%C2%AB%D0%92_%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%8F%D1%82%D1%8C_850-%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%8F_%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B2%D1%8B%C2%BB?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Medal ‘In Memory of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow’], 1997 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%C2%AB%D0%97%D0%B0_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%BB%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%B8_%D0%BF%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4_%D0%9E%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%BC%C2%BB?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Merit for the Fatherland], 3rd degree, 2001

• Order of Merit for the Fatherland, 2nd degree, 2006 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%90%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%B0_%D0%9D%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_(%D0%A0%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Alexander Nevsky], 2011 


'''State awards of foreign countries '''

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%94%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%B1%D1%8B_%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%B2_(%D0%91%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B8%D1%8F)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Friendship of Peoples (Republic of Belarus)], 2009 

• Medal of 65 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 (Transnistrian Moldavian Republic), 2010 

• Order ‘Sharaf’ (Republic of Azerbaijan), 2010 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%A0%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%BF%D1%83%D0%B1%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8_(%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%8F)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of the Republic] (‘Ordinul Republic’) (Republic of Moldova), 2011 

• [https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9E%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD_%D0%A1%D0%B2%D1%8F%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%9C%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B0_%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%88%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%86%D0%B0?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Order of Saint Mesrop/Mashtots] (Republic of Armenia), 2011 

• Order of the Star of Bethlehem (Palestinian National Authority), 2012 

Patriarch Kirill was also awarded a number of other federal, departmental, and regional state awards ; he has received more than 120 awards of Russian and foreign public organisations ; he is an honourary citizen of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smolensk Smolensk], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaliningrad Kaliningrad], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neman Neman] (Kaliningrad region), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murom Murom] (Vladimir region), Smolensk, Kaliningrad, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemerovo_Oblast Kemerovo regions], the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mordovia Republic of Mordovia], and other regions and settlements of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republics_of_Russia Russian Federation]. 


[[File:Patriarch Kirill MP 2.png]]

==Writings==

• ‘The Formation and Development of the Church Hierarchy and the Teaching of the Orthodox Church on her gracious Character’ (St Petersburg, 1971). 

• ‘Challenges of modern Civilization : How the Orthodox Church responds to them’ (Moscow : 2002). 

• ‘Word of the Shepherd, God and Man, the Story of Salvation’ (Moscow, 2004). 

• ‘L'Evangile et la liberté : Les valeurs de la Tradition dans la societé laique’ (Paris : Cerf, 2006).

• [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.odinblago.ru/taina_pokaiania/73&prev=search ‘About the Skills of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Mercy’, March, 2008]     

• ‘Freedom and Responsibility : in Search of Harmony’ (London : Darton Longman & Todd, 2011).  ISBN 10 : 0232528705 ; ISBN 13 : 978-0232528701. 

• [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://predanie.ru/kirill-gundyaev-patriarh-moskovskiy-i-vseya-rusi/book/67940-patriarh-i-molodezh-razgovor-bez-diplomatii/&prev=search ‘The Patriarch and the Youth : Conversation without Diplomacy’ (Moscow, 2009).] 

• [https://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=ru&sp=nmt4&u=https://www.labirint.ru/books/313656/&xid=17259,15700023,15700186,15700190,15700256,15700259,15700262&usg=ALkJrhiZo89tPV87VOjqARZ0Nmh9PuygEw&fromframe=1 ‘Holy Russia – together or apart ? Patriarch in Ukraine’ (Moscow : Danilovsky, 2009).] ISBN : 978-5-89101-276-9. 

• ‘The Vanguard of the Church’ (Tver : 2009). 

• ‘Words, Sermons, Speeches’ (Kiev : 2009). 

• ‘Be Faithful to God : Book of Conversations with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill’ (Minsk : 2009). 

• ‘Tell God's Truth : Patriarch Kirill about the Media’ (Moscow : Moscow Patriarchate Publishing House, 2016) ISBN : 978-5-88017-610-6.  

• ‘The Strength of a Nation is in the Power of the Spirit’ (Minsk : 2009). 

• ‘The Church calls for Unity’ (Minsk : 2010). 

• ‘Keep Faith in the Heart’ (Minsk : 2011).

• ‘Sermons (2010-2011)’ (Holy Trinity Sergius Lavra, 2012). 

• [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.odinblago.ru/taina_pokaiania/73&prev=search ‘About the Skills of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Mercy’ (March, 2008).]

• ‘The Word of the Shepherd : Collected Works’ (1991-2011), series 2, vol. 1 (Moscow, 2013). 

• ‘Overcoming Distemper’ in “The Word of His Holiness Patriarch”, series 2, vol. 1 (Moscow, 2013). 

• ‘The Word of the Shepherd : Collected Works (1991-2011)’, series 2, vol. 2  (Moscow, 2014). 

• ‘The Holy Land’ in “The Word of the Shepherd : Collected Works (1991-2011)”, series 2, vol. 2  (Moscow, 2014). 

• [https://www.amazon.com/Patriarch-Kirill-Orthodox-Christian-Profiles/dp/0881415502 ‘Patriarch Kirill in his own Words’ (Crestwood, NY : SVS Press, 2016).]  

• [https://books.google.ca/books?id=kynXBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT15&lpg=PT15&dq=«Проповеди+2009-2010»+(Свято-Троицкая+Сергиева+Лавра,+2010)&source=bl&ots=sUxEfxGupo&sig=ACfU3U0-vRWvYR-yH2op-S7san_H22uCKg ‘Word of the Primate : Collected Works (2009-2010)’, series 1, vol. 1 (Moscow : Moscow Patriarchate, 2018).] ISBN : 5457650480, 9785457650480.  

• [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.eparh33.ru/Patriarh/Biografiya_Svyateyshego_Patriarha_Moskovskogo_i_vseya_Rusi_Kirilla/&prev=search ‘Words in Honour of the Icon of the Mother of God “Fadeless Colour”’ on 9 June, 2019.]

• [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.eparh33.ru/Patriarh/Biografiya_Svyateyshego_Patriarha_Moskovskogo_i_vseya_Rusi_Kirilla/&prev=search ‘Words at the Meeting of the Supreme Church Council on 13 June, 2019.]  

• [https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.eparh33.ru/Patriarh/Biografiya_Svyateyshego_Patriarha_Moskovskogo_i_vseya_Rusi_Kirilla/&prev=search Sermon on the Feast of Pentecost on 16 June, 2019.]  

• ‘Cossacks : Fatherland, Faith, Service’ (Moscow : Moscow Patriarchate Publishing House, 2019).
  
In addition, there are about 2340 publications, including those in domestic and foreign periodicals. 
   
• A series of Lenten sermons has come out in audio-format.    
  
• ‘The Word of a Pastor’ television series has been published which includes talks on : 
  	  • ‘An introduction to Orthodox doctrine’ 
  	  • ‘Word-Sacrament-Church’
  	  • ‘History of the early Christian Church and the teaching on the Church’
   	  • ‘Jubilee Bishops’ Council’
  	  • ‘Basic Social Concept’
  	  • ‘Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church’
  	  • ‘Actions on canonization’
  	  • ‘Attitude to non-Orthodoxy’
  	  • ‘Church, state, politics’
  	  • ‘Church, individual, society’
  	  • ‘Faith and salvation’

'''Talks :'''

Metropolitan Kirill was invited to give lectures in : 

• Rome (1972) ; 

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Helsinki Helsinki University] ;

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Åbo_Akademi_University Åbo Academy in Turku (Åbo)] ; 

• [https://institute.oikoumene.org/en Switzerland Ecumenical Institute in Bossey], Switzerland (1972, 1973) ;  

• [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Orthodox_Seminary_of_Kuopio Orthodox Seminary in Kuopio], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland Finland] (1975) ; 

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Münster University of Muenster],  [https://www.britannica.com/place/Germany Germany] (1988) ; 

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Udine University of Udine], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy Italy] (1988) ; 

• [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Perugia State University of Perugia], Italy (2002) ; 

• [https://www.warsawchristian.org/ Christian Academy] in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw Warsaw], [https://www.britannica.com/place/Poland Poland] (2004). 

• Metropolitan Kirill was the key speaker at the Orthodox consultation on ‘The Common Understanding and Vision of the WCC’ ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregny-Chambésy Chambesy, 1995]). 

• Metropolitan Kirill was also a participant in the Pan-Orthodox Consultation on the Issues of Ecumenism ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Thessaloniki Salonika], 1998).  

• Metropolitan Kirill spoke at the meeting of heads of the Local Orthodox Churches for healing the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_Orthodox_Church Bulgarian Church] schism ([https://www.britannica.com/place/Sofia Sofia], 1998).  

• Metropolitan Kirill spoke at the Pan-Orthodox celebrations on the occasion of the 2,000th anniversary of Christianity in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Bethlehem Bethlehem] (7 January, 2000). 

• Metropolitan Kirill spoke at the negotiations between the Patriarchate of Moscow and Constantinople (in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Istanbul Istanbul], 1977, Geneva, 1978, Istanbul, 1990, Moscow, 1991, Istanbul, 1993) ; and at regular consultations on current problems between the 2 Churches. 

• Metropolitan Kirill conducted negotiations with the Orthodox Church of Constantinople concerning Estonia, and with the [https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Romania Romanian Orthodox Church] concerning the problem of the  Metropolia of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolis_of_Bessarabia Bessarabia] in [https://www.britannica.com/place/Moldova Moldova] (twice : in 1997 in Geneva, and in 1999 in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chișinău Kishinev]).  



[[File:Patriarch Kirill.jpg]] '''Portrait'''

==References==

[http://www.orthodoxia.ch/en/name/798/show Wyrwoll, Nikolaus ed., “Orthodoxia 2014-2015" (Regensburg : Ostkirchliches Institut, 2015). ISBN 978-7245-1959-1.]  

[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=http://www.patriarchia.ru/db/text/31754.html&prev=search Moscow Patriarchate biography] 

[https://mospat.ru/en/the_patriarch/ Moscow Patriarchate External Affairs biography] (in English)

[http://orthodoxeurope.org/page/3/4.aspx Biography : His Holiness Cyril, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia]

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Kyrill_(Gundyayev)_of_Moscow Orthodoxwiki biography] 

[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%25D0%259A%25D0%25B8%25D1%2580%25D0%25B8%25D0%25BB%25D0%25BB_(%25D0%25BF%25D0%25B0%25D1%2582%25D1%2580%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B0%25D1%2580%25D1%2585_%25D0%259C%25D0%25BE%25D1%2581%25D0%25BA%25D0%25BE%25D0%25B2%25D1%2581%25D0%25BA%25D0%25B8%25D0%25B9)&prev=search Russian Wikipedia biography]  

[https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ru&u=https://drevo-info.ru/articles/2823.html&prev=search Drevo Encyclopaedia biography] 

[https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kirill-I Encyclopædia Britannica biography]   

[https://uznayvse.ru/znamenitosti/biografiya-patriarh-kirill.html Uznayvse.ru biography] (in Russian) (translate to English through Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser)


'''Additional information : '''

[http://www.patriarchia.ru/en/ Russian Orthodox Church web-site]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_Russia Orthodoxwiki article about the Russian Orthodox Church]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church Wikipedia article about the Russian Orthodox Church]   

[https://martyrs-pstbi-ru.translate.goog/bin/code.exe/frames/m/ind_oem.html/charset/ans?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Database of "Those who suffered for Christ" in the Soviet Union]  

[https://www-petergen-com.translate.goog/bovkalo/mar/rusg.html?_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Saint Petersburg Martyrology] 

[http://www.orthodoxresearchinstitute.org/articles/ecumenical/kirill_metr_smolensk_interview.html Orthodox Research Institute interview with Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk]

[http://basilica.ro/en/tag/metropolitan-of-smolensk-and-kaliningrad/ Basilica.ro “A profile of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia”] 

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Alexei_I_(Simansky) Patriarch Alexei I (Simansky)]   

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Pimen_(Izvekov) Patriarch Pimen (Izvekov)]    

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Patriarch_Aleksey_II_(Ridiger) Patriarch Aleksey II (Ridiger)]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Bartholomew_I_(Archontonis)_of_Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew I (Archontis) of Constantinople]  

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarch_Theophilos_III_of_Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos III (Giannopoulos)]  

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Nikodim_(Rotov) Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov)]    

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_(Swaiko) Metropolitan Herman (Swaiko)]    

[http://orthodoxcanada.ca/Metropolitan_Volodymyr_(Sabodan) Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan)]   

[https://orthodoxwiki.org/Anastasios_(Yannoulatos)_of_Albania Archbishop Anastasios (Yannoulatos)]    

[https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%85%D0%B8%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BA_(%D0%9B%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Melchizedek (Lebedev)]    

[https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%93%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%B2,_%D0%9D%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B9_%D0%9C%D0%B8%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D1%87?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Nikolai (Gundyaev)]   

[https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD_(%D0%A1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8C%D1%91%D0%B2)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Meliton (Solovyov)]    

[https://ru-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/%D0%A5%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC_(%D0%9C%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%82%D0%B8%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BD)?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc Bishop Chrysostom (Martishkin)]   

[https://drevo--info-ru.translate.goog/articles/14114.html?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc  Holy Priest Vasiliy Gundyaev]    

[https://www.facebook.com/patriarchpreaches/ Sermons of Patriarch Kirill] (in English)

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=a5lyRT_Gn_k Video interview and vignettes of the life of Patriarch Kirill]

[https://mospat.ru/archive/en/2002/11/ne211253/ Visit of Metropolitan Kirill to Hong Kong] (2002)

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEJPq0Yhumc First of 5 short videos about the Temple in Antarctica and its construction (2004)] (in Russian)

[http://incommunion.org/2004/10/14/introduction-2/ “In Communion” article ‘The Basis of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church’] (2004)

[http://orthochristian.com/28598.html Orthodox Christianity "The Holy Synod has Chosen Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad as Locum Tenens of the Patriarchal Throne"] (6 December, 2008)

[https://mospat.ru/archive/en/2009/02/44055/ 2009 Enthronement of Patriarch Kirill at Christ the Saviour Cathedral]

[https://mospat.ru/archive/en/2009/02/44057/ Address of Patriarch Kirill on the occasion of his enthronement] (2009)

[https://mospat.ru/archive/en/2009/02/44059/ Photo report of the enthronement of Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev)] (2009)

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Declaration_of_Pope_Francis_and_Patriarch_Kirill Joint Declaration of Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, February] (2016) 

[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-35565085 BBC news article about the historic meeting in Havana, Cuba] (February, 2016)

[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/12162705/Patriarch-Kirill-meets-penguins-in-Antarctica.html Patriarch Kirill visits Antarctica] (February, 2016)

[http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Patriarch-Kirill-renews-his-commitment-to-working-with-the-Vatican-for-peace-in-Syria-39213.html “Patriarch Kirill renews his commitment to working with the Vatican for peace in Syria”] (November, 2016)

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiv0O8CH2OM  Patriarch Kirill celebrates the Divine Liturgy at Christ the Saviour Cathedral on the Occasion of his 70th Birthday)] (20 November, 2016)

[http://orthochristian.com/98766.html Patriarch Kirill celebrates 70th birthday] (20 November, 2016)  
 
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUFemcBeb1Q “Patriarch Kirill delivers message on Orthodox Easter”] (2017) 

[http://www.patriarchia.ru/en/db/text/5213691.html Patriarch Kirill leads 18th awards ceremony of the International Foundation for the Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations] (23 May, 2018) 

[https://mospat.ru/en/2018/07/28/news162591/ Patriarch Kirill speaks at the reception devoted to the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’] (28 July, 2018)
 
[http://incarnatewordsistershouston.org/assumption-cathedral-of-smolensk-transferred-to-the-ownership-of-the-church/ Transfer of the ownership of the Smolensk cathedral to the Church under Metropolitan Isidor (Tupikin)] (4 July, 2018)

[https://mospat.ru/en/2019/01/30/news169706/ Patriarch Kirill meets with general secretary of the World Council of Churches] (30 January, 2019)   

[https://mospat.ru/en/2019/04/27/news173298/ Paschal Message of Patriarch Kirill] (28 April, 2019)  






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