By Subdeacon Nektarios, M.A.
Introduction
Agent Mikhailov Gundyayev, now known as "Patriarch Kirill" of Moscow, is a former employee of the Soviet KGB who spied for the Soviet intelligence agency in the 1970s [1]. He recently extended his congratulations to the leaders of its successor agency [2]—the Federal Security Service (FSB)—on the occasion of Security Services Worker Day in the Russian Federation. Gundyayev's espionage activities are well-documented, with evidence from both Swiss government archives and U.S. intelligence reports [3]. These documents reveal that he was considered a security risk by the French government and was denied multiple entry visas during the 1970s.
Under his KGB code name, "Agent Mikhailov," Gundyayev actively participated in Soviet espionage operations while serving as a clergyman of the Sergianist Moscow Patriarchate. This collaboration with the Soviet Union's God-fighting atheistic regime, which murdered thousands of Orthodox Christian laity and clergy, has been widely criticized. Despite this history, on December 20, 2024, Kirill issued a congratulatory letter to the Federal Security Service—the successor agency of the KGB that once persecuted Orthodox Christians. This letter was subsequently published on the official website of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Official Moscow Patriarchate Post
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent congratulations to the Director of the Federal Security Service A.V. Bortnikov, the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service S.E. Naryshkin, and the Director of the Federal Protective Service D.V. Kochnev on the occasion of Security Services Worker Day in the Russian Federation.
To the Director of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, General of the Army A.V. Bortnikov
Dear Alexander Vasilyevich,
Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your professional holiday, Security Services Worker Day.
The work of the department under your stewardship involves great responsibility for the fate of our country, the strengthening of its sovereignty, and ensuring the peaceful and prosperous life of its citizens.
It is gratifying to note that you and your colleagues, possessing the necessary competencies, knowledge, and experience, successfully address complex tasks of protecting national interests, countering internal and external threats, and combating terrorism, extremism, and other criminal activities.
I wish you and all personnel of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation strength of mind and body, God’s help, and success in your further labors for the benefit of the country and its citizens.
Respectfully,
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
To the Director of the Foreign Intelligence Service of the Russian Federation, S.E. Naryshkin
Dear Sergey Yevgenyevich,
I warmly congratulate you and your colleagues on Security Services Worker Day in the Russian Federation.
The fight against external and internal threats, terrorism, and manifestations of extremism is especially important in these difficult circumstances.
It is gratifying that the employees of the department under your leadership diligently fulfill their duty, making a significant contribution to ensuring the security of citizens and maintaining social stability. They demonstrate high professionalism and courage, responding decisively to the challenges of the modern age.
I wish you and your coworkers fullness of soul and body, strength of spirit, and abundant help from God in your service for the good of the Fatherland.
Respectfully,
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
To the Director of the Federal Protective Service of the Russian Federation, General of the Army D.V. Kochnev
Dear Dmitry Viktorovich,
I warmly congratulate you on your professional holiday, Security Services Worker Day. The employees of the Federal Protective Service of the Russian Federation, which you lead, participate in solving tasks of exceptional importance, such as preserving the state order, protecting national interests, and ensuring public law and order under the current challenging conditions.
I would like to express my special gratitude to you for your attention to the life of the Russian Orthodox Church, particularly for your assistance in organizing and conducting divine services and other significant events.
I wish you and your colleagues strength of mind and body, help from the Lord, and success in your further labors for the benefit of the Fatherland.
Respectfully,
+KIRILL, PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA
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