Patriarch Kirill raised the issue of the impact of the Internet and modern technology on monastic life

During a meeting with the abbots and abbesses of monasteries of the Russian Orthodox Church on September 23, 2026, at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia addressed the topic of the influence of the Internet and modern technologies on monastic life. According to VimaOrthodoxias, the Primate of the Church noted that the constant flow of information penetrates even monastic cells, affecting prayer time, concentration, and the atmosphere of seclusion.

Patriarch Kirill emphasized that, despite the need to use communication tools for the functioning of monasteries, it is important to preserve the inner character of monastic life. He highlighted the significance of monastic vows, linking their observance to moderation and the spiritual growth of each monk. According to him, the main task is to organize daily life in a community dedicated to prayer and asceticism.

In his speech, the Patriarch also drew attention to the responsibility of monastery abbots. He called on them to uphold the unity of the monastic community, without viewing their position as a privilege. ““If you demand asceticism, you must be the first ascetic,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of setting a personal example.

In addition, Patriarch Kirill focused on the topic of obedience as an integral part of communal life and church unity. He linked this to the responsibility of monastery leaders, noting that they must be the first to overcome the difficulties of daily communal life.

The issue of attracting new people to monastic life was also discussed. The Patriarch noted that in the modern social context, the monastic vocation faces new challenges, which complicates the task of abbots. Thus, the Russian Church faces the need not only to attract new monks but also to create conditions that allow them to realize monastic ideals.

The central idea of the Patriarch’s address was that monasteries must adapt to the practical needs of the modern world, while preserving the time and space necessary for an ascetic life.