President Vladimir Putin said on Friday the Orthodox Church should be given more say over family life, education and the armed forces in Russia, as he celebrated the leadership of its head Patriarch Kirill.
"At the heart of all Russia's victories and achievements are patriotism, faith and strength of spirit," Putin said in the Kremlin's gold encrusted Alexeyevsky hall, celebrating the fourth anniversary of Kirill's accession as patriarch.
Unlike Lenin and Stalin who suppresed religion, Putin realizes that the Hierarchy can be a valuble ally. Because it's the "opiate of the people" it can be used equally well by both conservatives and radicals. One merely has to butter up the Prelates.
ReplyDeleteClever guy that Putin.
Love the Shoppe! [I think "Pudding and Krill" could give Jesus&Mo a run for their dinars...]
ReplyDelete