The activities of organizations affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate must be viewed not only through the lens of freedom of religion but also in the context of national security.

This view was expressed by political commentator and Chairman of the Board of Libertas Fidei Vytautas Bruveris during the presentation of an international analytical study titled “The Use of Religion as a Tool of Influence and a Threat to the Security of Lithuania and Europe in the Context of Russian Military Aggression.”

He stressed that any assessment of these organizations must take into account their role in spreading Russian political influence and advancing the Kremlin’s interests.

Bruveris also criticized public meetings between Lithuanian government officials and individuals associated with the Moscow Patriarchate, noting that such encounters could send mixed signals to the public about the state’s stance on potential threats.