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The revelations surrounding Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, have surprised many. An investigation by Proekt has unveiled his long-standing and concealed relationship with Lidia Leonova. This inquiry highlights a contradiction between the patriarch’s public persona and private life, raising questions about adherence to Orthodox Church canon law, which mandates celibacy for its leaders.
For over fifty years, Leonova has been a significant presence in Kirill’s life, residing in his Moscow apartment and accompanying him on various trips. This article delves into the findings of the investigation, providing insights into their relationship and its implications for the patriarch and the church.
Unveiling the relationship
The connection between Kirill and Leonova came to public attention in 2012 during a legal dispute over an apartment located in the prestigious House on the Embankment, opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. The lawsuit originated from damage caused by construction work in the building, leading to unexpected revelations about the patriarch’s lavish living conditions and the fact that Leonova was living with him.
Interestingly, it was Leonova who filed the lawsuit against the patriarch’s neighbor, a former health minister turned priest, Yuri Shevchenko. The court ultimately ruled in her favor, confirming her residency in the apartment and exposing hidden aspects of Kirill’s life.
Alternative narratives
In light of the investigation, various narratives have emerged to explain Leonova’s presence in Kirill’s life. Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov suggested that Leonova is Kirill’s second cousin, a claim lacking supporting evidence. He asserted that the patriarch had never lived in the apartment himself and had allowed two second cousins to reside there instead. However, these claims have been met with skepticism, as no documented proof exists to support such familial ties.
Leonova’s background remains largely unknown. According to religious scholar Alexander Soldatov, she was the child of a cook for the Communist Party in Leningrad. Their relationship reportedly flourished over the years, although it is absent from Kirill’s official biographies.
Insights into Leonova’s life
In the 1970s, Leonova, originally known by her maiden name Kholodova, married a Ukrainian man, Mykhailo Leonov, but their marriage appears to have ended without a formal divorce. As Kirill’s career advanced, including his appointment as Archbishop of Smolensk in the 1980s, Leonova became a constant companion, managing his household affairs.
Notably, Leonova has played a pivotal role in Kirill’s life. Journalist Ksenia Luchenko described her as deeply involved in the patriarch’s activities. She manages household matters, maintains relationships with various individuals, and ensures that gifts are distributed appropriately. This level of involvement suggests a relationship that transcends mere friendship or familial ties.
Assets and ownership
Leonova’s ownership of real estate and assets linked to Kirill further complicates the narrative. She is listed as the owner of a company named Vladolid, which manages real estate, including a commercial property in St. Petersburg. Additionally, she owns a significant apartment in the same building, reportedly gifted by a close associate of the patriarch.
The ownership of the apartment in the House on the Embankment remains obscured in Russia’s property registry, a tactic used by officials to conceal personal assets. Despite this, the investigation indicates that the apartment is still registered in Kirill’s name, with evidence of Leonova residing there, including a leaked database from that lists her as a contact.
A complex narrative
For over fifty years, Leonova has been a significant presence in Kirill’s life, residing in his Moscow apartment and accompanying him on various trips. This article delves into the findings of the investigation, providing insights into their relationship and its implications for the patriarch and the church.0
For over fifty years, Leonova has been a significant presence in Kirill’s life, residing in his Moscow apartment and accompanying him on various trips. This article delves into the findings of the investigation, providing insights into their relationship and its implications for the patriarch and the church.1