criticizing proposals for the ordination of women as bishops and the toleration of homosexual activity by some Anglicans. In April 2017, he expressed his approval of the Supreme Court of Russia's decision to allow a ban of the worship of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Russian Federation. He claims that "they erode the psyche of people and the family" (e.g. disfellowshiping), and that those Witnesses' beliefs which do not coincide with those of the Orthodox Church, such as the rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity, are reason to outlaw their religion. Honours and awards Order of Friendship (20 July 2011) – for outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and strengthening friendship between peoples Order of Merit (17 May 2016) – for outstanding contribution to the development of spiritual culture and strengthening friendship between peoples Order of Alexander Nevsky (18 May 2021) – for outstanding contribution to the international and inter-confessional relations National Award in Literature and Art (9 June 2021) – for contribution to the development of national culture and educational activities Medal of January 13 (Lithuania, March 4, 1992) Order of Merit (Ukraine, 27 July 2013) – for outstanding personal contribution to the development of spirituality and church work of many years Order of Merit, Commander's Cross (Hungary, 16 December 2013) – for his contribution to the strengthening of inter-Christian dialogue, the protection of Christians in the modern world, the upholding of the fundamental moral principles of the Holy Scriptures, the defense of the institution of the family, outstanding achievements in the ecclesiastical and diplomatic mission, as well as for the work to deepen cooperation between the historical Churches of Hungary and the Russian Orthodox Church Order of Merit, Commander's Cross with Star (Hungary, 2019) – for the tireless proclamation of the value of Christianity and its power in uniting the community, for attracting the younger generation to these values, for ecclesiastical and diplomatic work and for promoting international cooperation of Christian communities Order of St. Innocent of Moscow, 2nd degree (Orthodox Church in America), 2009) Sigillum Magnum – Gold Medal (University of Bologna, Italy, 2010) Order of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, 2nd class (Orthodox Church of Alexandria, 2010) Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, a gold star (Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, 2011) Order of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, 2nd class (Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2011) Order of St Mary