More Globalist Posturing as PACE turns on Russia, Moscow reinforces ties with Fiefdom in Japan

(Strasbourg; Tokyo) The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has passed a resolution condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin as illegitimate and recognizing the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool of Russian influence and propaganda. The resolution unanimously acknowledges the Church’s role in promoting Kremlin ideology and supporting Russia’s crimes against Ukraine, with Patriarch Kirill and other Church leaders deemed accomplices. The resolution also condemns Putin’s regime for its hostility towards democracy and its negative impact on the European and global order, while urging EU member states to strengthen sanctions against Russia and Belarus. The April 17 declaration follows the previous PACE ruling of October 23, 2023 declaring Putin a dictator and the decision on April 16 to release seized Russian funds to Ukraine.

Meanwhile in Tokyo, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsky, Chairman of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, visited Japan and performed the Divine Liturgy at the Sunday Cathedral in Tokyo alongside Archbishop Seraphim, the primate of the “Japanese Autonomous Orthodox Church” on Sunday, April 21. The service was conducted in Japanese, Church Slavonic, and English. Metropolitan Seraphim welcomed Metropolitan Anthony and expressed gratitude to Patriarch Kirill, while Metropolitan Anthony conveyed the Patriarch’s blessing to the Japanese Orthodox Church. The two hierarchs also discussed various issues and Metropolitan Anthony visited the tomb of St. Nicholas of Japan and met with the rector of the Russian Orthodox Church compound in Tokyo.