Russian Orthodox Church
How the war between Russia and Ukraine is roiling the faith tradition they share
By J. Eugene Clay — May 3, 2022
(The Conversation) — Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put a spotlight on the views of the Russian Orthodox Church.
‘All war is anachronistic’: Pope Francis struggles to gain traction for peaceful vision
By Claire Giangravé — April 22, 2022
(RNS) — Pope Francis' refusal to condemn Putin by name disguises his 'severe moral judgment' of the war, experts say.
World Council of Churches faces calls to expel Russian Orthodox Church
By Jack Jenkins — April 11, 2022
(RNS) — WCC head the Rev. Ioan Sauca has pushed back on the idea, but a growing chorus of Christian leaders is suggesting the group cut ties with the ROC.
The World Council of Churches must act with courage and expel Kirill, Russian Orthodox Church
By Rob Schenck — March 28, 2022
(RNS) — Supporters of the effort to oust Kirill from the WCC believe he has disqualified the ecclesial entity he embodies by effectively endorsing Putin's military campaign.
Why is Russia’s church backing Putin’s war? Church-state history gives a clue
By Scott Kenworthy — March 23, 2022
(The Conversation) — The war in Ukraine is just the latest chapter in a long, tangled relationship between the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church.
Russian talking point: Blaming US for Ukraine church split
By Peter Smith — March 23, 2022
(AP) — “You cannot call it a religious war, but it has a religious dimension,” said the Rev. Cyril Hovorun.
Russian Orthodox eye expansion in Africa, maybe Turkey as well
By Tom Heneghan — March 22, 2022
(RNS) — Sanctions that have threatened the Russian economy, experts say, could also put the brakes on any expansion by the Russian church.
Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill discuss Ukraine war for first time
By Claire Giangravé — March 16, 2022
(RNS) — In an online conversation, the two church leaders voiced their hope for a ‘just peace.’
Russian Orthodox parishes in Europe pressured from both sides as war rages in Ukraine
By Tom Heneghan — March 14, 2022
PARIS (RNS) — A Russian Orthodox parish in Amsterdam reportedly became the first Western Orthodox church to break ties with Moscow over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
US Christian leaders ask Kirill to speak out, ‘reconsider’ comments on Ukraine
By Jack Jenkins — March 11, 2022
(RNS) — 'We ask you to prayerfully reconsider the support you have given to this war because of the horrendous human suffering it has unleashed,' the letter read.
Orthodox priest reportedly arrested in Russia for sermon decrying invasion of Ukraine
By Jack Jenkins — March 10, 2022
(RNS) — The Rev. Ioann Burdin, who is also believed to have signed a petition condemning the invasion, was reportedly charged with ‘discrediting the use of the Armed Forces.’
Moscow patriarch stokes Orthodox tensions with war remarks
By Peter Smith — March 8, 2022
(AP) — Kirill on Sunday depicted the war in spiritual terms.
Among Russian Orthodox, glimmers of dissent against the invasion of Ukraine
By Jack Jenkins — March 4, 2022
(RNS) — The spiritual dissent exists on a spectrum, ranging from calls for peace to threats of breaking away from the Russian Orthodox Church.
Putin is after more than land — he wants the religious soul of Ukraine
By Knox Thames — February 24, 2022
(RNS) — Make no mistake, Putin is seeking full capitulation from Ukraine — both physical and spiritual.
‘Pray for Ukraine’: Religious leaders call for peace and God’s protection
By Bob Smietana — February 24, 2022
(RNS) — In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, religious leaders prayed for peace and asked God to watch over civilians.