On a US tour, Ukrainian faith leaders plead for continued support against the Russian invasion
1 year, 2 months ago

On a US tour, Ukrainian faith leaders plead for continued support against the Russian invasion

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Like other Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy in a delegation of Ukrainian interfaith leaders visiting the United States this week, Bishop Ivan Rusyn has a succinct message: “Please, hear our cry.” The deputy senior bishop of the Ukrainian Evangelical Church, a Protestant denomination, said that since the February 2022 Russian invasion, some of his church’s pastors have been killed, and its seminary has been attacked by missiles. “We are eyewitnesses of Russian atrocities going on in our country,” said Metropolitan Yevstratiy Zoria, a representative of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom said in a July report that Russian military forces “have frequently damaged and destroyed religious buildings and other sites and killed or injured those sheltering or worshiping in these places,” and it said they have “abducted and tortured religious leaders.” UNESCO reported in October that it has verified damage to 124 religious sites in Ukraine, in addition to other cultural sites. Metropolitan Zoria, a spokesperson of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, said the goal of the draft law is to “protect religious freedom from being instrumentalized by the Kremlin’s dictatorship.” He and other delegation members said there’s widespread religious freedom in Ukraine, in contrast to Russian-controlled areas, where “if you’re not loyal to a Russian government, you have no rights,” said Zoria, deputy head of the department for external church relations for the OCU.

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History of this topic

Is Ukraine’s largest church still pro-Russian?
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Is Ukraine’s largest church still pro-Russian?

Al Jazeera  

Ukraine is preparing to celebrate Christmas on December 25 for a second year in a break with tradition and Russia, but divisions persist. “Soviet intelligence either forced all priests to the pro-communist Orthodoxy or killed them off in Siberia,” Oleh Dyba, a publicist and scholar of Transcarpathia’s religious life, told Al Jazeera. Kirill is accused of purging dissident priests, he …

‘They said we were American spies’: Priests describe Russia’s crackdown on Evangelicals in occupied Ukraine
3 weeks, 3 days ago

‘They said we were American spies’: Priests describe Russia’s crackdown on Evangelicals in occupied Ukraine

CNN  

Editor’s note: This story contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of violence. His congregation was decimated and his church shut down as part of Russia’s brutal crackdown against Ukrainian religious groups that are not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, also known as the Moscow Patriarchate. Maksym Vishchyk, a lawyer at Global Rights Compliance, a non-profit that advises the Ukrainian authorities …

Evangelicals Emerge as a Potent Lobby for US Support of Ukraine
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Evangelicals Emerge as a Potent Lobby for US Support of Ukraine

Associated Press  

Evangelicals emerge as a potent lobby for US support of Ukraine, with several American Baptist leaders and organizations actively advocating for continued American aid to the country. Ukrainian Baptists and other evangelicals have been working tirelessly to raise awareness and garner support from American Christians, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the war in Ukraine. Their efforts have gained attention and …

Ukraine’s parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Ukraine’s parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target

Associated Press  

Ukraine’s parliament has banned the activities of religious groups tied to the Russian Orthodox Church or any other faith group supporting Russia’s invasion — a measure widely seen as targeting a Ukrainian religious body, despite its claim to independence from Moscow. The bill explicitly prohibits activities of the Russian Orthodox Church, calling it “an ideological extension of the regime of …

Ukraine marks its third Easter at war as it comes under fire from Russian drones and troops
8 months ago

Ukraine marks its third Easter at war as it comes under fire from Russian drones and troops

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — As Ukraine marked its third Easter at war, Russia on Sunday launched a barrage of drones concentrated in Ukraine’s east, wounding more than a dozen people, and claimed its troops took control of a village they had been targeting. Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city administration, warned that “even on such bright days of celebration, we …

Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture
8 months ago

Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture

LA Times  

Christian Orthodox worshippers leave the chapel basement after attending a service at the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lypivka, Ukraine. Almost 100 residents sheltered in a basement chapel at the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary while Russian troops occupied the village in March 2022 as they closed in on Ukraine’s capital, …

Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture
8 months ago

Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture

Associated Press  

LYPIVKA, Ukraine — This Orthodox Easter season, an extraordinary new church is bringing spiritual comfort to war-weary residents of the Ukrainian village of Lypivka. Almost 100 residents sheltered in a basement chapel at the Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary while Russian troops occupied the village in March 2022 as they closed in on Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, …

‘God of war’: Russian Orthodox Church stands by Putin, but at what cost?
11 months ago

‘God of war’: Russian Orthodox Church stands by Putin, but at what cost?

Al Jazeera  

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church is the president’s spiritual leader, but he risks losing global clout. Moscow Patriarch Kirill, head of the world’s largest Orthodox Christian Church whose clout transcends Russia’s borders to believers in former Soviet republics and diasporas, has defended the Kremlin’s “right” to start the war. Ukraine was the ROC’s second-largest “canonical territory” with some …

Ukraine says it shot down Russian fighter jets and drones as the country officially marks Christmas
1 year ago

Ukraine says it shot down Russian fighter jets and drones as the country officially marks Christmas

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday hailed the shooting down of two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve and said “this Christmas sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.” In a Christmas message marking the first time the country has officially observed the holiday on Dec. 25 rather than Jan. 7, Zelenskyy also referred to …

On a U.S. tour, Ukrainian faith leaders plead for continued support against the Russian invasion
1 year, 2 months ago

On a U.S. tour, Ukrainian faith leaders plead for continued support against the Russian invasion

LA Times  

Archbishop Yevstratiy Zorya speaks during a panel discussion Monday in Washington among an interfaith delegation of Ukrainian religious leaders, hosted by the U.S. Institute of Peace. Like other Christian, Jewish and Muslim clergy in a delegation of Ukrainian interfaith leaders visiting the United States this week, Bishop Ivan Rusyn has a succinct message: “Please, hear our cry.” The deputy senior …

Ukraine's parliament advances bill seen as targeting Orthodox church with historic ties to Moscow
1 year, 2 months ago

Ukraine's parliament advances bill seen as targeting Orthodox church with historic ties to Moscow

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Ukraine’s parliament advances bill seen as targeting Orthodox church with historic ties to Moscow
1 year, 2 months ago

Ukraine’s parliament advances bill seen as targeting Orthodox church with historic ties to Moscow

Associated Press  

Ukraine’s parliament voted overwhelmingly Thursday to advance legislation seen as effectively banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church over its ties to Moscow, despite the church’s insistence that it is fully independent and supportive of Ukraine’s fight against Russian invaders. The legislation would prohibit the activities of religious organizations “that are affiliated with the centers of influence of a religious organization, the …

Ukraine’s Catholic bishops tell pope that his praise for Russia’s imperial past ‘pained’ Ukrainians
1 year, 4 months ago

Ukraine’s Catholic bishops tell pope that his praise for Russia’s imperial past ‘pained’ Ukrainians

Associated Press  

ROME — Ukraine’s Greek Catholic bishops told Pope Francis on Wednesday that his words praising Russia’s imperial past had pained the Ukrainian people, bringing complaints about the Vatican’s diplomatic neutrality in Moscow’s war on their country to the heart of the Holy See. While thanking Francis for his prayers, the bishops said certain statements and gestures from the pope and …

Russian Orthodox priests face persecution from State and church for supporting peace in Ukraine
1 year, 4 months ago

Russian Orthodox priests face persecution from State and church for supporting peace in Ukraine

The Hindu  

Standing in an old Orthodox church in Antalya with a Bible in one hand and a candle in the other, the Rev. Ioann Koval led one of his first services in Turkey after Russian Orthodox Church leadership decided to defrock him following his prayer for peace in Ukraine. “It breaks what seems to be a monolithic position of the Russian …

Russian Orthodox priests face persecution from state and church for supporting peace in Ukraine
1 year, 4 months ago

Russian Orthodox priests face persecution from state and church for supporting peace in Ukraine

Associated Press  

ANTALYA, Turkey — Standing in an old Orthodox church in Antalya with a Bible in one hand and a candle in the other, the Rev. Ioann Koval led one of his first services in Turkey after Russian Orthodox Church leadership decided to defrock him following his prayer for peace in Ukraine. “It breaks what seems to be a monolithic position …

Ukraine moves Christmas holiday, distancing itself from Russian tradition
1 year, 5 months ago

Ukraine moves Christmas holiday, distancing itself from Russian tradition

ABC  

Ukraine has moved its official Christmas holiday to December 25 in a break with the Russian Orthodox Church which celebrates it on January 7, according to new legislation. Key points: The change is designed to end Russia "imposing" its own celebrations on Ukraine, a note on the parliament website said It comes as part of a wider move to separate …

Leading priest of Ukrainian Orthodox church under house arrest for allegedly condoning Russia's invasion
1 year, 9 months ago

Leading priest of Ukrainian Orthodox church under house arrest for allegedly condoning Russia's invasion

ABC  

A Ukrainian court has ordered a leading Orthodox priest who is accused by authorities of condoning Russia's invasion to be put under house arrest. Key points: The priest cursed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, threatening him with damnation The priest said the accusations against him were politically driven Russia took over the presidency of the UN's top security body, which rotates …

Unholy Connection: Why Ukraine is ordering Orthodox monks from historic church to leave premises
1 year, 9 months ago

Unholy Connection: Why Ukraine is ordering Orthodox monks from historic church to leave premises

Firstpost  

Ukraine has ordered the eviction of monks from Pechersk Lavra — a historically significant church in Kyiv. The expulsion comes as many of the clergy are believed to have ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, whose founder, Patriarch Kirill, supports Vladimir Putin and the ongoing war Ukraine has seen many bloody battles since Russia began its ‘special military operation’ in …

Church accused of Russia ties resists Kyiv monastery eviction
1 year, 9 months ago

Church accused of Russia ties resists Kyiv monastery eviction

Al Jazeera  

Members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery refused entry to gov’t commission representatives. Tensions over the presence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the 980-year-old Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery have risen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year. Kyiv has accused the UOC of maintaining ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, which has supported Moscow’s …

Cyprus' new archbishop enthroned, no Russian clerics attend
2 years ago

Cyprus' new archbishop enthroned, no Russian clerics attend

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The head of Cyprus' Orthodox …

A first for reclaimed Kyiv cathedral: Christmas in Ukrainian
2 years ago

A first for reclaimed Kyiv cathedral: Christmas in Ukrainian

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Packing a cathedral for Orthodox Christmas, hundreds of worshippers heard the service in that church in the Ukrainian language for the first time in decades, a demonstration of independence from the Russian Orthodox Church. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which remained loyal to the Moscow patriarch since the 17th century, declared independence from Moscow’s Patriarchate after Russia’s invasion …

Ukraine reclaims Kyiv cathedral amid church dispute
2 years ago

Ukraine reclaims Kyiv cathedral amid church dispute

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — The Ukrainian government has taken the main cathedral of the revered historic monastery from the church previously affiliated with Moscow’s patriarchate and allowed its Ukrainian rival to use it for Orthodox Christmas services. Ukrainian Minister of Culture Oleksandr Tkachenko said Thursday that the Dormition Cathedral and the Refectory Church of the nearly 1,000-year-old Pechersk Lavra — also …

Ukraine takes over Kyiv cathedral amid church dispute
2 years ago

Ukraine takes over Kyiv cathedral amid church dispute

LA Times  

Parts of the centuries-old Pechersk Lavra monastic complex in Kyiv, Ukraine, have been taken over by the state. The Ukrainian government has taken the main cathedral of a historic monastery in Kyiv from a denomination previously affiliated with the Russian Orthodox patriarchate and allowed its Ukrainian rival group to use it for Orthodox Christmas services. Ukrainian Minister of Culture Oleksandr …

Ukraine rejects Putin’s Orthodox Christmas ceasefire proposal
2 years ago

Ukraine rejects Putin’s Orthodox Christmas ceasefire proposal

Al Jazeera  

Ukraine rejects a truce until Russia withdraws from occupied territory after the Russian president calls for a 36-hour ceasefire. Ukraine has dismissed an offer from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a 36-hour ceasefire over Orthodox Christmas, saying there would be no truce until Russia withdraws its forces from occupied land. The Kremlin said Putin had ordered a 36-hour ceasefire from …

Scrutiny of Ukraine church draws praise, fear of overreach
2 years, 1 month ago

Scrutiny of Ukraine church draws praise, fear of overreach

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — After its searches of holy sites belonging to Ukraine’s historic Orthodox church, the nation’s security agency posted photos of evidence it recovered — including rubles, Russian passports and leaflets with messages from the Moscow patriarch. Zelenskyy called for legislation that would forbid “religious organizations affiliated with centers of influence in the Russian Federation to operate in Ukraine.” …

Ukraine slaps sanctions on senior clerics in pro-Moscow church
2 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine slaps sanctions on senior clerics in pro-Moscow church

India Today  

Ukraine is slapping sanctions on 10 senior clerics linked to a pro-Moscow church on the grounds they agreed to work with Russian occupation authorities or justified Moscow's invasion, the security service said on Saturday. In a statement, the security services said the 10 clerics had variously agreed to cooperate with occupation authorities, promoted pro-Russian narratives and justified Russian military aggression …

Ukraine to curb activities of Russia-linked religious groups
2 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine to curb activities of Russia-linked religious groups

Al Jazeera  

Ukraine will move to place restrictions on the activities of Russian-linked religious organisations in the country, and security services will begin an investigation into a Moscow-linked branch of the Orthodox Church after a raid on a monastery last week “The National Security and Defence Council has instructed the government to propose to a bill on proscribing activities in Ukraine by …

With searches, Ukraine focuses suspicions on Orthodox clergy
2 years, 1 month ago

With searches, Ukraine focuses suspicions on Orthodox clergy

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — An investigation of a centuries-old monastic complex in Ukraine’s capital and other religious sites has underscored Ukrainian authorities’ suspicions about some Orthodox Christian clergymen they see as loyal to Russia despite Moscow’s nine month-old war on the country. But they have been fractured along lines that echo political tensions over Ukraine’s defense of its independence and its …

Ukraine raids 1,000 year old Russia-backed Kyiv monastery
2 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine raids 1,000 year old Russia-backed Kyiv monastery

Al Jazeera  

SBU intelligence service says the raid was to investigate suspicions of Russia using the complex for sabotage and to store weapons. Ukraine’s security service and police have raided a 1,000-year-old Orthodox Christian monastery in Kyiv to counter suspected “subversive activities by Russian special services”. War deepens split In Russia, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Ukrainian authorities of “waging a war …

Ukraine searches monastic complex, prompts anger in Moscow
2 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine searches monastic complex, prompts anger in Moscow

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s counter-intelligence service, police officers and the country’s National Guard on Tuesday searched one of the most famous Orthodox Christian sites in the capital, Kyiv, after a priest spoke favorably about Russia – Ukraine’s invader – during a service. The search, motivated by apparent security service suspicions of possible Russian covert operations at the complex, highlighted deep …

Moscow patriarch: Russian war dead have their sins forgiven
2 years, 3 months ago

Moscow patriarch: Russian war dead have their sins forgiven

Associated Press  

Russian soldiers who die in the line of duty in Ukraine have all of their sins forgiven, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church proclaimed in a sermon, comparing their sacrificial death to that of Jesus. The assertion, made on Sunday, ratchets up Moscow Patriarch Kirill’s already staunch support for Russia’s war on Ukraine since its beginning in February. “If …

Pope, opening Kazakh visit, blasts ‘senseless’ Ukraine war
2 years, 3 months ago

Pope, opening Kazakh visit, blasts ‘senseless’ Ukraine war

Associated Press  

NUR-SULTAN, Kazakhstan — Pope Francis begged for an end to Russia’s “senseless and tragic war” in Ukraine as he arrived Tuesday in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan to join faith leaders from around the world in praying for peace. Recalling that St. John Paul II visited Kazakhstan just days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S., Francis …

Pope’s Ukraine diplomacy a political and spiritual tightrope
2 years, 8 months ago

Pope’s Ukraine diplomacy a political and spiritual tightrope

Associated Press  

VATICAN CITY — His appeals for an Orthodox Easter truce in Ukraine went unheeded. Rather, Francis has found himself in the unusual position of having to explain his refusal to call out Russia or President Vladimir Putin by name — popes don’t do that, he said — and to defend his “very good” relations with the head of the Russian …

Divisions appear in Russian Orthodox Church over its support of Putin’s war in Ukraine
2 years, 8 months ago

Divisions appear in Russian Orthodox Church over its support of Putin’s war in Ukraine

The Independent  

On the holiest day in its religious calendar, the Russian Orthodox Church was struggling under the weight of its own contradictions. Although no bishop has yet indicated a desire to split with the Russian Orthodox Church, Father Kobetiak said the clergy and the faithful in Ukraine sought “spiritual independence”, mentioning how one priest is now serving “a half-ruined cathedral without …

Orthodox Christianity fractures as religious leaders turn on Moscow patriarch for blessing Putin's war: report
2 years, 9 months ago

Orthodox Christianity fractures as religious leaders turn on Moscow patriarch for blessing Putin's war: report

Raw Story  

On Thursday, the National Catholic Register reported that tensions are growing among Catholic and Orthodox Christians, as key religious leaders begin to cut the patriarch of Moscow — one of Vladimir Putin's key allies — out of decision-making. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, in blessing Russia’s war of aggression against fellow Orthodox and fellow Slavs in Ukraine, has lost all credibility …

A spiritual defense of the war in Ukraine? Putin’s patriarch is trying
2 years, 9 months ago

A spiritual defense of the war in Ukraine? Putin’s patriarch is trying

LA Times  

Wearing crisp, olive-green robes and a towering, white head covering embroidered with the somber face of Jesus, Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, addressed the faithful from an ornate 10,000-seat cathedral in Moscow. “He describes the current situation in Ukraine as Russians defending against a foreign invasion, not as Ukrainians fighting for democracy, and their lives, against …

When Putin Says Russia & Ukraine Share One Faith, He's Leaving Out a Lot
2 years, 9 months ago

When Putin Says Russia & Ukraine Share One Faith, He's Leaving Out a Lot

The Quint  

Under imperial Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church was often a tool of assimilation, with officials eager to use the power of the church to make newly conquered peoples Russian subjects. Beginning in 1654, when Ukrainian lands were being absorbed into imperial Russia, clergy from Moscow had to decide how to accommodate distinct religious texts, practices and ideas from Kyiv that …

Patriarch Kirill: Putin ally faces backlash after ‘blessing’ war
2 years, 9 months ago

Patriarch Kirill: Putin ally faces backlash after ‘blessing’ war

Al Jazeera  

Pope and several priests appeal to the Russian Orthodox Church leader after he endorsed the Ukraine invasion. “Today we cannot speak like this.” Ten days earlier, in a sermon, Patriarch Kirill appeared to endorse Moscow’s so-called “special peacekeeping operation,” as the war on Ukraine is officially called in Russia. Thus, he gives the official Russian point of view a theological …

Russian talking point: Blaming US for Ukraine church split
2 years, 9 months ago

Russian talking point: Blaming US for Ukraine church split

Associated Press  

While Russia has sought to justify its assault on Ukraine with complaints about NATO’s eastward expansion, it has also claimed that foreign actors have encroached on its religious turf in Ukraine — even alleging the United States helped instigate an Eastern Orthodox schism there. Moscow Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, said both the West and a rival …

Why is Russia’s church backing Putin’s war? Church-state history gives a clue
2 years, 9 months ago

Why is Russia’s church backing Putin’s war? Church-state history gives a clue

Raw Story  

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church has defended Russia’s actions and blamed the conflict on the West. Yet in more recent years, the president has embraced Russian Orthodoxy as a cornerstone of post-Soviet identity, and relations between church and state leadership have changed significantly since Kirill became patriarch in 2009. In 2012, Pussy Riot, …

Where Ukraine fits into Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'culture war'
2 years, 9 months ago

Where Ukraine fits into Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'culture war'

ABC  

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine. By contrast, "Ukrainian society seems to be embracing more liberal values," says Professor Laruelle, helping Putin to frame Ukraine as influenced by the "amoral" West. Under Patriarch Kirill's leadership, the Church "cooperates closely with Vladimir Putin and the Russian state", says Professor Clay. "Putin takes religious politics very seriously and in 2018 called a …

Archbishop tells head of Russian Orthodox Church of ‘grave concern’ over Ukraine
2 years, 9 months ago

Archbishop tells head of Russian Orthodox Church of ‘grave concern’ over Ukraine

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken to the head of …

Moscow patriarch stokes Orthodox tensions with war remarks
2 years, 10 months ago

Moscow patriarch stokes Orthodox tensions with war remarks

Associated Press  

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, leader of Russia’s dominant religious group, has sent his strongest signal yet justifying his country’s invasion of Ukraine — describing the conflict as part of a struggle against sin and pressure from liberal foreigners to hold “gay parades” as the price of admission to their ranks. He contended that some of the Donbas separatists were suffering …

Moscow patriarch stokes Orthodox tensions with war remarks
2 years, 10 months ago

Moscow patriarch stokes Orthodox tensions with war remarks

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, leader …

Some of Ukraine's Orthodox churches want to break away from their Russian patriarch
2 years, 10 months ago

Some of Ukraine's Orthodox churches want to break away from their Russian patriarch

NPR  

Some of Ukraine's Orthodox churches want to break away from their Russian patriarch Enlarge this image toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR Claire Harbage/NPR On the day that Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Church of St. George in Lviv, in western Ukraine, posted a sign on its front gate condemning Russia. The church belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church …

Russia’s war drives a wedge between Orthodox Ukrainians and the Moscow Patriarchate
2 years, 10 months ago

Russia’s war drives a wedge between Orthodox Ukrainians and the Moscow Patriarchate

Raw Story  

As Russian troops step up their assault, clergy and worshippers at the Ukrainian Orthodox churches that are attached to the Moscow Patriarchate are distancing themselves from Russia, placing into question one of the Kremlin's main channels of influence in their country. Three days after Russia invaded, Patriarch Kirill denounced the "evil forces" that were undermining the historical unity of Russia …

Churches across Britain hold services for Ukraine after Putin ordered Russian invasion
2 years, 10 months ago

Churches across Britain hold services for Ukraine after Putin ordered Russian invasion

Daily Mail  

Special prayer services for peace in Ukraine have been held all over Britain today. The congregation prayed for peace and sung hymns in Ukrainian Churches all over the country used today as a special time to pray for peace as war rages in Ukraine Members of the congregation lit candles in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in …

EXPLAINER: How is Russia-Ukraine war linked to religion?
2 years, 10 months ago

EXPLAINER: How is Russia-Ukraine war linked to religion?

Associated Press  

Ukraine’s tangled political history with Russia has its counterpart in the religious landscape, with Ukraine’s majority Orthodox Christian population divided between an independent-minded group based in Kyiv and another loyal to its patriarch in Moscow. Even though Russian President Vladimir Putin justified his invasion of Ukraine in part as a defense of the Moscow-oriented Orthodox church, leaders of both Ukrainian …

Pope condemns ‘diabolical logic’ of war
2 years, 10 months ago

Pope condemns ‘diabolical logic’ of war

The Hindu  

Pope Francis has denounced the “diabolical and perverse logic” of launching a war in Ukraine in his strongest public comments yet. Pope Francis also called Sunday for humanitarian corridors to welcome Ukrainian refugees fleeing the “tragic” invasion of their homeland. Pope Francis has refrained from calling out Russia by name as he seeks to mend ties with the Russian Orthodox …

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