An article from Newsbreak authored by Lloyd Lee quoted Patriarch Kirill I who said “Russian soldiers who die in the Ukraine war are committing a 'sacrifice' that 'washes away all the sins'”*.
Apparently, Patriarch Kirill I forgot who washes away sin. The only one that can, Jesus Christ. The blood Jesus shed on the cross is the only means of forgiveness and salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB 1995) states “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
1 John 2:2 (NASB 1995) “and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” What does propitiation mean? It is “: the act of gaining or regaining the favor or goodwill of someone or something : the act of propitiating : APPEASEMENT” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propitiation
Either intentionally or through ignorance Patriarch Kirill I informed soldiers that their works would cover their sins. This type of misinformation can adversely impact peoples, decisions to follow Christ and ultimately their eternal destiny.
*https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2762267668035/russian-orthodox-leader-said-russian-soldiers-who-die-in-the-ukraine-war-are-committing-a-sacrifice-that-washes-away-all-the-sins-as-many-citizens-leave-the-country-to-avoid-the-draft?_f=app_share&s=a3&share_destination_id=MTk4MTMyMjY0LTE2NjQzMDkxNDM2MTQ=&pd=0DPLFgs1&hl=en_US&send_time=1664309143&share_sms_bucket=v1&actBtn=floatShareButton&trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A1%2C%22cv%22%3A%2222.37.2%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D
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