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 in Ukraine. "The Security Service of Ukraine continues to carry out comprehensive work on the protection of Ukrainian statehood and will continue to expose persons who threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," it said. The Ukrainian branch formally severed ties with the Russian Orthodox Church last May, but is still mistrusted by many Ukrainians and accused of secret co-operation with Russia.

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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 …

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 …

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, 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 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 …

Oligarchs to patriarchs: EU eyes sanctions for Orthodox head
2 years, 8 months ago

Oligarchs to patriarchs: EU eyes sanctions for Orthodox head

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 European Union plans to …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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