This week in Christian history: Patriarch Kirill elected; John Donne ordained; first March for Life

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, January 22, 2023

Patriarch Kirill becomes head of Russian Orthodox Church – Jan. 27, 2009

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill arrive for the meeting with Russian Orthodox church bishops in Moscow, February 1, 2013. As troops loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin were seizing control of Crimea, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow deduced that an 'internal political crisis' in Ukraine was threatening its territorial integrity. — Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill arrive for the meeting with Russian Orthodox church bishops in Moscow, February 1, 2013. As troops loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin were seizing control of Crimea, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow deduced that an "internal political crisis" in Ukraine was threatening its territorial integrity. | Reuters/Sergei Gunyeev/Ria Novosti/Kremlin/Files

This week marks the anniversary of when Metropolitan Kirill was overwhelmingly elected to become patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, replacing Patriarch Aleksy II.

Kirill had defeated Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk in a vote of 508-169, with the election taking place at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

“Receiving this manifestation of God's will from your hands, I ask for your indulgence of my weaknesses,” said Kirill shortly after the vote, as quoted by RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty.

“I ask you to help me with your wise advice. I ask you to stand next to me while I carry out my patriarch's duties. But more than anything, I ask for your prayers.”

In more recent times, Kirill has garnered controversy over his support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, receiving criticism from many Orthodox clergy as well as sanctions from entities including the U.K. government.