"Silenced Faith: Russian Orthodox Priests Persecuted for Promoting Peace in Ukraine"

Russian Orthodox priests who publicly pray for peace in Ukraine are facing persecution from both the state and the church. The Russian Orthodox Church, under the leadership of Patriarch Kirill, demands total conformity and loyalty to the official narrative supporting the war. Priests who refuse to comply can be defrocked, reassigned, or temporarily relieved of their duties. The state has also passed legislation allowing prosecution of those who "discredit the Russian army," which can be applied to any dissenting voice. Despite the risks, a small fraction of priests have spoken out against the war, with only 300 signing a public letter calling for peace. These voices are crucial in breaking the monolithic position of the Russian Orthodox Church, but they face repressions and punishment for their engagement in politics.