UNCLAS ST PETERSBURG 000071


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: RS PGOV KIRF
SUBJECT: RUSSIAN ORTHODOX PATRIARCH REACHES OUT TO ST PETERSBURG'S
YOUTH


1. (SBU) Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill addressed an audience
of over 8,000 students at the Ice Palace Stadium in St.
Petersburg on May 29, the second in a series of large-scale
appearances made recently by the Patriarch. The Patriarch's
hour-long address struck a very Western tone and at times seemed
to contradict his general message about the basic
incompatibility between Russia's national values and those of
the West. Interestingly, he both began and concluded his speech
with Martin Luther King's immortal phrase "I have a dream!" and
devoted much of his address to the individual pursuit of
happiness. However, his address was not purely upbeat and
secular. He continued to warn young people about the modern
world's many dangers, such as drugs and alcohol. He also
emphasized the uniqueness of Orthodox Christianity, which he
asserted affords the faithful a direct line to God.


2. (SBU) After his speech, Kirill held a brief question and
answer session with his audience. In response to a question
regarding the Orthodox Church's support of the current
government, Kirill stated that the government's attitudes and
ideology correspond closely to the interests of the Church. He
also said that as the government's actions defend Russia's
national interests, they were therefore, a priori, the correct
actions.


3. (SBU) Comment. The new Patriarch obviously feels very
comfortable in "the modern world" away from the churches and
monasteries - he drives a motorcycle, regularly uses the
internet, and has increasingly found a common language to
communicate with Russia's youth. Kirill's youth rallies, along
with the rebranding of the Patriarchy into something more
youthful and modern (and fully synchronized with the current
Russian government's policies), demonstrates not only an
increasingly aggressive campaign to improve the Church's public
image, but also the evolving symbiosis between the ideologies of
the Orthodox Church and the Russian government. Many people
welcomed his fresh approach and embrace of Russia's young
people. End Comment.

GWALTNEY