8 January 2019 | The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has warned that a dependence on smartphones and modern technology could trigger the coming of the Antichrist.

Patriarch Kirill warned smartphone users to exercise caution when using the “worldwide web of gadgets,” as it allowed “an opportunity to gain global control over mankind.”

The leader added that “The Antichrist is the person who will be at the head of the worldwide web, controlling all of humankind.”

According to the BBC, Patriarch Kirill warned that whenever a gadget is used, information is collected on the location, interests and fears of users.

“If not today, then tomorrow methods and technology could appear that will not just provide access to all information but will also allow the use of this information.

“Do you imagine what power will be concentrated in the hands of those who gain knowledge about what is going on in the world?

“Such control from one place forebodes the coming of the Antichrist.”

While the leader said that the Russian Orthodox Church was not against technological progress, he claimed he was protesting “the development of a system that is aimed at controlling a person’s identity.”

Patriarch Kirill’s closeness to Russian president Vladimir Putin has resulted in some accusing the religious leader of attempting to give divine authority to government policy which is currently restricting internet freedoms.

There are over 40,000 Adventists in Russia.

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