His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia (in the world Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyaev) was born on November 20, 1946 in Leningrad. He was brought up in a family that was closely associated with Orthodoxy, which, perhaps, determined his future destiny.
Childhood and youth
Vladimir Gundyaev's father, Mikhail Vasilyevich, was a priest, his mother worked as a German language teacher. The elder brother is Nikolai Gundyaev, professor of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, rector of the Transfiguration Cathedral, archpriest.
The fate of Patriarch Kirill's grandfather is remarkable. Priest Vasily Stepanovich Gundyaev was repeatedly persecuted by the Soviet authorities for his church activities. Vasily Stepanovich openly opposed the renovationism of the church in the 20s of the last century, then in the 30s and 40s he was imprisoned and exiled.
Vladimir Gundyaev finished eight classes of high school and began working as a cartographer-technician in the Leningrad Geological Expedition. Three years later, he entered a theological seminary, and after graduating from it, he entered the theological academy of the city of Leningrad.
Serving Orthodoxy
In 1969, Vladimir Gundyaev took monastic vows and was named Cyril.
In 1970, Kirill graduated with honors from the Theological Academy and became a teacher of dogmatic theology. At the same time, he also became the personal secretary of the Metropolitan of Leningrad and Novgorod Nikodim and the first class mentor of the theological seminary.
In 1971, Kirill was elevated to the rank of archimandrite. In the same year, he became the representative of the Moscow Patriarchate at the World Council of Churches in Geneva.
Cyril begins to rapidly move up the career ladder. For twenty years of service, he goes from archimandrite to metropolitan.
Social activity
In the 90s of the XX century, Kirill became the host of the popular Sunday TV program - "The Word of the Shepherd". In this program, he answered questions from viewers, conducted a popular and understandable spiritual and educational work.
Since 1995, Kirill begins close cooperation with the Government of the Russian Federation. He was repeatedly invited to various advisory events. Kirill took an active part in resolving differences in the Chechen Republic, organized cultural events. With his active participation, the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of Christianity was held.
Patriarch Kirill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II died on December 5, 2008. The next day, Metropolitan Kirill was appointed to the post of Patriarchal Locum Tenens.
On January 25, 2009, Kirill presided at the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, where he was elected one of the three candidates for the throne of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
Kirill became Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia on January 27, 2009. At the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, 508 out of 677 people voted for him.
Patriarch Kirill did a lot to unite the Russian Orthodox Church abroad. He significantly strengthened the position of Orthodoxy, and expanded the boundaries of cooperation between states.
From time to time, various scandals arise around Patriarch Kirill. The name of the Metropolitan was mentioned in the case of the use of tax incentives for the import of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Some media outlets claimed that Kirill in the 90s was personally interested in some transactions for the import of excisable goods. However, the absolute majority of representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church stood up to defend Patriarch Kirill. They called all this media hype a planned campaign and a provocation.
In 2003, Patriarch Kirill was even accused of being connected with the KGB. It’s like he’s a secret service agent. The corresponding letter was sent to the President of the Russian Federation. Of course, such a provocation did not bring any results.
