Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia (born Vladimir Gundyaev) has put forward a theory that the creation of the Soviet atomic bomb was the result of divine intervention. According to him, the holiness of St. Seraphim of Sarov, who prayed in the areas where work on the nuclear project later took place, played a key role in this.
Divine Providence and the Nuclear Shield
The statement by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church was made after a service at the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diveyev Monastery. The Patriarch drew attention to the geographical and spiritual connection between the place of the saint's prayers and the city of Sarov (known in Soviet times as the closed city of Arzamas-16), where nuclear weapons were developed.
In his sermon, Kirill stated that it was thanks to the work of scientists, engineers, and workers, as well as "the grace and mercy of God," that the bomb was created, stopping the plans of enemies to destroy and enslave Russia. In the Patriarch's opinion, the appearance of the nuclear shield saved the country from complete destruction, as a result of which "there might have been neither a country nor a people left."
"All this happened, in particular, thanks to the prayers of our venerable and God-bearing father Seraphim of Sarov. Thus, the humble elder, due to his holiness... contributed to the fact that our people and our country continue to exist," the Patriarch concluded.
Repetition of Rhetoric and Symbolism
This is not the first time the head of the ROC has linked Russia's nuclear potential with religious factors. Back in 2023, the Patriarch claimed that the bomb was developed "by an ineffable divine providence." In 2024, he also called on believers not to fear nuclear weapons and the possible end of the world.
The symbolic significance of the figure of Seraphim of Sarov for the Moscow Patriarchate is strengthened in other aspects as well. It was previously reported that 11 days before the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, a church dedicated to this saint was opened in Kyiv. In addition, the image of Seraphim of Sarov appeared in the Dormition Cathedral contrary to the original plan, which underscores his status as an unofficial patron of Russian nuclear weapons in the church hierarchy.
International Context
The position of Patriarch Kirill remains a subject of attention on the international arena. Recently, it became known that the European Union removed the head of the ROC from the list of persons against whom new sanctions are imposed. As reported, Bulgaria's position, which opposed the introduction of restrictions against the Patriarch, played a decisive role in this decision.
