Who Is Patriarch Kirill of Moscow? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, born on November 20, 1946, is a prominent spiritual leader and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. As of 2025, he is 78 years old. His birth name is Vladimir Mikhailovich Gundyayev. Kirill was elected as the 16th Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' on January 27, 2009, succeeding Patriarch Alexy II. He has since become a significant figure in both the Russian religious community and the geopolitical sphere, often engaging in dialogues on moral, social, and political issues.
| Occupation | Prince |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1946 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Russia |
Popularity
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific details about Patriarch Kirill's height and weight are not typically documented in standard biographical entries, he is known to carry himself with a dignified posture befitting his ecclesiastical role. Information on his body measurements remains private, reflecting his preference for a low-profile lifestyle concerning personal health statistics.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a high-ranking religious figure, Patriarch Kirill is not married and has no publicly known girlfriend or boyfriend. The norms of the Orthodox Church do not permit marriage for bishops of the church, and his life has been dedicated to his religious duties, fostering spiritual growth, and representing the church on various platforms. Family details, apart from his ecclesiastical lineage, are generally kept private.
A close ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Kirill has described Putin's rule as "a miracle of God". According to Putin, Kirill's father baptized him. During his tenure as Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', Kirill has brought the Russian Orthodox Church closer to the Russian state.
Kirill's relationship with Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch and the spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide, has been tense.
Net Worth and Salary
Patriarch Kirill's exact net worth is difficult to ascertain due to the nature of his work and the lack of transparency surrounding the financial aspects of religious institutions. However, it is estimated that his net worth could be in the millions of dollars, partly due to his position and the assets held by the Russian Orthodox Church. His salary, while not publicly disclosed, is believed to be considerable, given his high rank within the church hierarchy.
In March 2012, the former Russian Health Minister (1999–2004) Yury Shevchenko, pursuant to a court ruling, paid about 20 million rubles ($676,000) in compensation for the dust resultant from the renovation work that had settled in a flat upstairs in the prestigious House on the Embankment privately owned by Patriarch Kirill and occupied by the Pa
triarch's long-time friend businesswoman Lidia Leonova.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kirill’s career began with his ordination in the Russian Orthodox Church in the late 1960s. He quickly ascended the ranks and held various positions, including the head of the Department for External Church Relations. Beyond his religious duties, Patriarch Kirill is known to engage in philanthropic endeavors and initiatives promoting traditional values. He has also involved himself in various business discussions, particularly concerning the intersection of church and state affairs in Russia. While specific investments are not disclosed, Kirill’s leadership role places him at the center of cultural and social projects throughout the country.
After finishing the eighth grade (year 9), Vladimir Gundyayev obtained a job in the Leningrad Geological Expedition and worked for it from 1962 to 1965 as cartographer, combining work with studies at secondary school. After graduation from school, he entered the Leningrad Seminary and later the Leningrad Theological Academy, from which he graduated cum laude in 1970.
Social Network
As a leading religious figure, Patriarch Kirill maintains a presence on several social media platforms where he shares messages of faith and inspiration. Although he may not be highly active personally online, the Russian Orthodox Church has an official website and social media accounts that disseminate his teachings, church activities, and public appearances. Engaging with followers through these platforms allows him to maintain a modern connection with younger generations.
Patriarch Kirill introduced significant changes in the administrative structure of the Church.
On 31 March 2009, the Holy Synod, at its first meeting under the chairmanship of the newly elected Patriarch Kirill, reformed the DECR, forming new synodal institutions, which were entrusted with certain areas of activity previously dealt with by the DECR.
The, independent from the DECR, was created; this department was responsible for "the implementation of relations with legislative bodies, political parties, professional and creative unions, and other civil society institutions in the canonical territory of the Moscow Patriarchate." Dioceses,, metochions, monasteries and stavropegic parishes far a
broad, which were previously under the authority of the DECR, were directly subordinated to the Patriarch of Moscow of All Russia; to manage them, the Moscow Patriarchate's Secretariat for Institutions Abroad was created.
The was created. The post-graduate department of the Moscow Theological Academy, which operated under the DECR, was transformed into the.
Education
Patriarch Kirill’s educational background is rooted in ecclesiastical studies; he graduated from the Saint Petersburg Theological Academy. His extensive knowledge in theology has helped shape his views and policies within the church, allowing him to engage in influential dialogues on faith and morality that resonate with many followers in Russia and beyond.
On 3 September 2019, Kirill and Paulose II, the head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, met at the Patriarchal and Synod residence in St. Daniel Monastery, Moscow. During this meeting, Kirill supported the proposals made by Paulose II for cooperation in academics pertaining to iconography, church choristers, monasticism, pilgrimages, summer institutes and academic conferences.
