The comments come after Russia conducted at least 20 airstrikes in Syria, destroying 12 Islamic State targets, after its parliament unanimously voted in favour of military action there. The approval was specifically for aerial bombing and not boots on the ground.
Russia has said it attacking other "well-known" terrorist groups as well as IS, amid claims it's airstrikes killed at least 30 civilians including children.
France, the US and NATO have all expressed concern about who Russia is targeting in its airstrikes, however Moscow dismissed this as an "information war" against it.
The US has said Russia has conducted airstrikes in places where IS is not operating.
It has been reported that Russia is using the airstrikes to help the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is accused of war crimes, to defeat opposition groups and remain in office.
Syria and Russia are longstanding allies.
Vsevolod Chaplin, an archpriest in the Russian Orthodox Church, told The Times: "The fight with terrorism is a holy battle and today our country is perhaps the most active force in the world fighting it.
"This decision corresponds with international law, the mentality of our people and the special role that our country has always played in the Middle East."
And Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, said: "Russia has taken the responsible decision to use the armed forces for the protection of the Syrian people from the calamities wreaked by the tyranny of terrorists.
"We associate this decision with the approach of peace and fairness in this ancient land."
