Participants of the meeting of the Synodal Biblical-Theological Commission of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) have expressed their positions regarding the theological content of the declaration, in which, for the first time in the history of the Catholic Church, forms of blessing for same-sex unions were proposed.

Members of the Synodal Biblical-Theological Commission were unanimous in their belief that this innovation reflects a sharp departure from Christian moral teachings, as reported by patriarchia.ru. The meeting took place on February 20 in a remote format under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Ilarion of Budapest and All Hungary.

It is noted that Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia gave an assignment to analyze the document, and the results of the commission's work on this issue will be submitted for his consideration.

The Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith recently announced that the Catholic Church allows the blessing of "couples, not in marriage, of the same sex," but this does not imply the sacrament of marriage. The same department clarified earlier that representatives of sexual minorities, like any believers, can receive baptism, as well as serve as godparents and witnesses at weddings in the church. Baptism is also available for children of same-sex couples, including those born to surrogate mothers.

Forms of blessing for same-sex unions are contained in the declaration Fiducia supplicans ("Appealing for Mercy"). As the Vatican's press service reported, experts in theology were involved in drafting the document, and consultations were held with Pope Francis, who signed the text. The blessing of same-sex couples in the document is permitted "outside the liturgical rite."

"When two people seek a blessing, even if their status as a couple is 'non-canonical,' an ordained priest can give consent. However, this pastoral gesture should avoid any elements remotely resembling a marriage ceremony," the declaration states. The blessing of homosexual couples in the Vatican has been likened to the blessing people ask for when encountering a priest on the street.