Ukraine forms new unified Orthodox Church in defiance of Moscow
6 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine forms new unified Orthodox Church in defiance of 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 Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Inside Kiev’s St Sophia Cathedral, a unification council of 190 delegates gathered to serve the final rites on the country’s 332-year-old religious ties with Moscow Orthodoxy; to create a new, unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church; and elect a new leader. It is a day of final independence from Russia.” The Unification Council brought together bishops from two hitherto-breakaway Ukrainian Orthodox churches, and 10 breakaway bishops from what was until recently the only canonical church in Ukraine, the Moscow-backed Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Earlier this week, Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, complained about “large-scale persecutions" in an open letter to the UN, Pope and German leader Angela Merkel. The Russian Orthodox Church responded immediately to Saturday’s Unification Council by announcing that the new church was not canonical.

Ukraine Independent Russian Moscow Ukrainian Orthodox Kiev Orthodox Church Constantinople Ukrainian Orthodox Church Unification Council Unified Church  kiev  russian  ukrainian  unified  church  poroshenko  defiance  moscowbacked  orthodox  ukraine  unification  sign  forms  council  moscow

History of this topic

Is Ukraine’s largest church still pro-Russian?
3 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 …

Ukraine’s parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target
4 months, 3 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 …

Bulgaria's Orthodox Church elects a new patriarch with pro-Russian views
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Bulgaria's Orthodox Church elects a new patriarch with pro-Russian views

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 Bulgaria’s Orthodox Church on Sunday …

Damaged in war, a vibrant church in Ukraine rises as a symbol of the country’s faith and culture
8 months, 1 week 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, …

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 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 …

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 …

Russian Orthodox priests face persecution from State and church for supporting peace in Ukraine
1 year, 5 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 …

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 …

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 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 …

Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia
2 years ago

Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia

Associated Press  

BOBRYTSIA, Ukraine — Ukrainians usually celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, as do the Russians. The Russian Orthodox Church, which claims sovereignty over Orthodoxy in Ukraine, and some other Eastern Orthodox churches continue to use the ancient Julian calendar. The Catholic Church first adopted the modern, more astronomically precise Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, and Protestants and some Orthodox churches …

Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia
2 years ago

Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia

LA Times  

A woman attends a Christmas Mass at an Orthodox Church in Bobrytsia, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sunday. The Russian Orthodox Church, which claims sovereignty over Orthodoxy in Ukraine, and some other Eastern Orthodox churches continue to use the ancient Julian calendar. The Catholic Church first adopted the modern, more astronomically precise Gregorian calendar in the 16th century, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Amsterdam branch of Russian orthodox church breaks away over Ukraine
2 years, 10 months ago

Amsterdam branch of Russian orthodox church breaks away over Ukraine

Dutch News  

The clergy at the Amsterdam parish of the Russian Orthodox Church are moving to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, another movement within the Eastern Orthodox churches, because of threats from the Russian Orthodox archbishop in the Netherlands. Last weekend the church told Dutch archbishop Elisey that priests would no longer include the name of church patriarch Kirill during services because of …

Amsterdam branch of Russian orthodox church breaks away over Ukraine
2 years, 10 months ago

Amsterdam branch of Russian orthodox church breaks away over Ukraine

Dutch News  

The clergy at the Amsterdam parish of the Russian Orthodox Church are moving to the Patriarchate of Constantinople, another movement within the Eastern Orthodox churches, because of threats from the Russian Orthodox archbishop in the Netherlands. Last weekend the church told Dutch archbishop Elisey that priests would no longer include the name of church patriarch Kirill during services because of …

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 …

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 …

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

How is Russia-Ukraine war linked to religion? | Explained

India TV News  

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 …

Constantinople Patriarch visits Ukraine for independence
3 years, 4 months ago

Constantinople Patriarch visits Ukraine for independence

Associated Press  

KYIV, Ukraine — The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople has arrived on a visit to Ukraine to attend festivities marking the 30th anniversary of its declaration of independence. On Saturday, Patriarch Batholomew I and the leader of the new Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epiphanius I, together conducted a lithurgy in Kyiv’s St. Michael’s Cathedral. In January 2019, Bartholomew I, considered …

Ukraine church’s historic split from Russia granted by patriarch
6 years ago

Ukraine church’s historic split from Russia granted by patriarch

Al Jazeera  

Move by Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I comes amid heightened tensions between Moscow and Kiev. Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and Head of the global Orthodox Church Bartholomew I signed the “Tomos” independence decree in a ceremony in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Saturday. Bartholomew I will officially hand the decree to the new Ukrainian church at a mass …

Ukrainian Orthodox Church breaks away from Russian influence
6 years ago

Ukrainian Orthodox Church breaks away from Russian influence

Associated Press  

ISTANBUL — An independent Ukrainian Orthodox church was created at a signing ceremony in Turkey on Saturday, formalizing a split with the Russian church it had been tied to since 1686. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, signed the “Tomos” in Istanbul in front of clerics and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, forming the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The patriarch, …

Ukraine’s leader orders Orthodox Church to change its name
6 years ago

Ukraine’s leader orders Orthodox Church to change its name

Associated Press  

KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s president on Saturday signed a bill that orders the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to change its name to reflect its ties to Moscow. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Saturday signed the bill ordering the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to explicitly indicate its link to the Moscow Patriarchate in its name. When the Ukrainian parliament passed the bill Thursday, …

Ukraine Orthodox leaders approve break with Russian church
6 years, 1 month ago

Ukraine Orthodox leaders approve break with Russian church

LA Times  

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, center left, attends a closed-door synod of three Ukrainian Orthodox churches to approve the charter for a unified church and to elect leadership in the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev on Saturday. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate along with the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church are two branches in Ukraine that did not recognize …

Russian Orthodox church calls on UN for help in Ukraine
6 years, 1 month ago

Russian Orthodox church calls on UN for help in Ukraine

Associated Press  

MINSK, Belarus — The Russian Orthodox Church on Friday called on the United Nations, the leaders of Germany and France, the pope and other spiritual leaders to protect believers in Ukraine in the face of pressure on Moscow-affiliated clerics. Ukraine’s Orthodox clerics will gather for a meeting Saturday that is expected to form a new, independent Ukrainian church, and Ukrainian …

Russian Orthodox Church splits from Constantinople over Ukraine
6 years, 3 months ago

Russian Orthodox Church splits from Constantinople over Ukraine

Al Jazeera  

In the largest schism in Orthodox Christianity for over a century, the Russian Orthodox Church has cut all ties with the Constantinople Patriarchate over a “historic” decision to recognise the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as independent. The Holy Synod has also urged other Orthodox Churches to properly evaluate a decision taken by Constantinople and to “search for ways out of the …

Discover Related