The head of the Russian Orthodox Church called the creation of the Soviet atomic bomb a blessing from God
Patriarch Kirill (Vladimir Gundyaev), head of the Russian Orthodox Church, stated that the creation of the atomic bomb in the USSR was a manifestation of “God’s grace” and helped prevent the country’s destruction. He made this statement after the liturgy at the Holy Trinity Seraphim-Diviyevo Monastery.
The patriarch noted that the Soviet nuclear center was established in the city of Sarov (formerly Arzamas-16), which is associated with St. Seraphim of Sarov. According to Kirill, it was precisely thanks to the work of scientists, engineers, and workers, as well as “God’s mercy,” that the “Russian atomic bomb” was created, which, in his view, thwarted the enemies’ plans “to destroy and enslave the Motherland.”
He also stated that the advent of nuclear weapons saved the Soviet Union from “terrible destruction,” and that the prayers of Seraphim of Sarov allegedly helped ensure that the country and its people “continue to exist.”
Patriarch Kirill has made similar statements in the past. In 2023, he claimed that Soviet scientists had created the atomic bomb “by God’s ineffable providence,” and in 2024, he urged Russians not to fear nuclear weapons or the possible end of the world.
The nuclear center in Sarov was founded in 1946 on the grounds of the former Uspensky Monastery. The first successful tests of the Soviet atomic bomb took place in 1949, and as early as 1950, the USSR officially announced that it possessed nuclear weapons, putting an end to the U.S. nuclear monopoly.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), as of January 2026, Russia had 5,420 nuclear warheads, while the U.S. had 5,042.
Source: The Moscow Times.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia has published a book titled *War: Beyond the Visible Causes and Consequences*, in which he asserts that the outcome of wars is supposedly determined by God, and victory goes to those who stand “on the side of light.”
In addition, Russian Patriarch Kirill has appealed to religious and political leaders around the world on Ukraine’s behalf.
Earlier, we also reported that Ukrainians trust Metropolitan Epiphanius the most among church leaders, according to a poll.
