Tag

Russian Orthodox Church

All articles tagged with #russian orthodox church

militaryreligion2 years ago

"Controversial Link: Russian Orthodox Church Backing Private Military Company"

The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is allegedly funding a private military company (PMC) called Andreyevsky Krest, according to reports by Ukrainian intelligence agencies. The ROC is said to be collecting donations from its congregations throughout Russia to finance the PMC, which is operating from the Kronstadt Naval Cathedral in St Petersburg. The SBU, Ukraine's Security Service, claims that the PMC is actively recruiting parishioners, providing military training within the cathedral's premises, and sending mercenaries to Ukraine. The ROC's involvement in funding and supporting the PMC is seen as a criminal activity and is under investigation.

international-relations2 years ago

"Bulgaria Expels Russian Church Leader Amid Political Tensions"

Bulgarian authorities have expelled the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in the country, along with two employees, citing a "threat to national security." The Russian embassy in Bulgaria expressed outrage, accusing the Bulgarian leadership of attempting to sever ties between the two countries and their Orthodox churches. Former Prime Minister Kiril Petkov had previously emphasized the need to remove Moscow-backed agents to combat organized crime and corruption in Bulgaria.

religion2 years ago

Controversy surrounds Russian Orthodox priests advocating for peace in Ukraine

Russian Orthodox priests who have called for peace in Ukraine are facing backlash and persecution from both religious and state authorities. At least 30 priests have experienced pressure, with some being defrocked for deviating from the mandated prayer for victory in the war. Speaking out against the war can also lead to legal consequences under legislation that criminalizes "discrediting the Russian army." The Russian Orthodox Church claims that priests who engage in politics are not fulfilling their pastoral duty and are subject to canonical bans. Priests who support the war, however, receive support from the state.

religion2 years ago

"Religious Persecution: Russian Orthodox Priests Advocate for Peace in Ukraine"

At least 30 Orthodox priests in Russia have faced pressure from religious or state authorities for advocating peace in Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church, which has supported the fighting in Ukraine, has punished priests who publicly oppose the war, accusing them of engaging in politics. These priests risk being reassigned, relieved of their duties, or defrocked. Only a small fraction of the more than 40,000 clergymen in the Russian Orthodox Church have spoken out against the conflict. The few public voices against the fighting are seen as crucial in breaking the perceived monolithic position of the church.

religion2 years ago

"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.

religion2 years ago

"Persecution of Russian Orthodox Priests for Promoting Peace in Ukraine"

Russian Orthodox priests who publicly support 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, punishing priests who refuse to pray for victory in the conflict. Publicly calling for peace can lead to prosecution under laws that criminalize any dissenting views. Only a small fraction of the clergy have spoken out against the war, with over 30 priests facing pressure and punishment. Those who refuse to comply can be reassigned, defrocked, or face other consequences. The influence of the Russian Orthodox Church extends beyond Russia's borders, with priests serving abroad also facing repercussions for their anti-war stance.

religion2 years ago

"Persecution of Russian Orthodox Priests for Promoting Peace in Ukraine"

Russian Orthodox priests who publicly support 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, punishing priests who refuse to read the patriarch's prayer for victory in the conflict. Publicly praying or calling for peace can also lead to prosecution by the Russian state, which has passed legislation allowing for the prosecution of those who "discredit the Russian army." Only a small fraction of the 40,000 clergymen in the Russian Orthodox Church have spoken out against the war, with over 30 priests facing pressure and punishment for their stance. The priests who refuse to support the war can be reassigned, relieved of their duties, or defrocked. However, some priests have appealed to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, who has restored their holy rank and allowed them to serve in his churches.

politics2 years ago

Ukraine breaks ties with Russian tradition, moves Christmas to Dec. 25

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law moving the official Christmas Day holiday from Jan. 7 to Dec. 25, denouncing Russian-imposed traditions. The law aims to abandon Russian heritage and align with Ukrainian identity and traditions. Last year, some Ukrainians already observed Christmas on Dec. 25 as a symbol of separation from Russia. The law also changes the dates of the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. The Russian Orthodox Church, which claims sovereignty over Orthodoxy in Ukraine, continues to use the Julian calendar, while Ukraine's Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25.

world2 years ago

Ukraine Breaks Tradition, Shifts Christmas to December 25

Ukraine has passed legislation moving its official Christmas holiday to December 25, distancing itself from the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, which celebrates on January 7. The move is seen as a way for Ukraine to assert its independence from Russia and embrace its own traditions and holidays. The decision has gained popularity among Ukrainians, with a majority supporting the change. The new law will also alter the dates of other Ukrainian holidays that coincide with religious festivities.

politics2 years ago

Putin Donates Historic Treasures to Church Amid Ukraine Conflict

President Vladimir Putin has given the Russian Orthodox Church the almost 600-year-old "Trinity" icon, painted by Andrei Rublev in the Middle Ages, sparking an outcry from restorers and art historians who warn the extremely fragile medieval icon might not survive outside the Tretyakov Gallery's walls. The handover comes as Russia's offensive in Ukraine stretches into its second year, with Patriarch Kirill throwing his support behind the assault and saying that dying in Ukraine "washes away all sins."

religion2 years ago

Russian Orthodox Church Fires Archpriest Over Icon Transfer Obstruction

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has dismissed his expert on art and restoration, Archpriest Leonid Kalinin, for obstructing the transfer of a historic 15th-century Trinity icon from Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery to the Church. Russian President Vladimir Putin had decided that the icon be handed over to the Church because of its importance to believers. Kalinin was also banned from the priesthood. Icons are considered sacred in Eastern Orthodox Churches, and the Trinity icon is one of the holiest and most artistically important Russian icons.

culture2 years ago

Russian Orthodox Church Fires Archpriest Over Controversial Icon Transfer

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has fired his expert on art and restoration, Archpriest Leonid Kalinin, for obstructing the transfer of a historic 15th-century Trinity icon from Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery to the Church. Russian President Vladimir Putin had decided that the icon be handed over to the Church because of its importance to believers. Icons are stylised, often gilded religious paintings considered sacred in Eastern Orthodox Churches. The icon is thought to have been painted to honour Saint Sergius of Radonezh in Sergiyev Posad, near Moscow.

religion2 years ago

Putin Transfers Historic Icon to Orthodox Church After Requests and Controversy

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given possession of the country's most valuable religious icon, Andrei Rublev's "Trinity," to the Russian Orthodox Church after "numerous requests." The 15th-century icon depicts the three angels that visited Abraham in the Book of Genesis seated at a table and in conversation. The venerated icon will be displayed at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow before being moved to its long-term home at the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad.

art-and-religion2 years ago

"Putin Transfers Iconic Masterpiece to Orthodox Church"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has handed over Andrei Rublev's Trinity, the country's most acclaimed Russian icon, to the Russian Orthodox Church in response to numerous requests from Orthodox believers. The move was criticized by art experts who said the work of art should be kept at the Tretyakov Gallery where it can be properly preserved. The icon will be exhibited for a year at the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow before returning to the historic monastery in Sergiyev Posad.

international-relations2 years ago

Pope Francis meets Russian Orthodox leader in effort to end Ukraine war.

Pope Francis met with a high-ranking leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, at the Vatican, raising questions on the status of a secret "mission" in Ukraine aimed at returning Ukrainian children who were moved to Russia during the war between the two nations. The Orthodox metropolitan presented the pope with a Christian icon before being met and escorted by Vatican staff. Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he asked the pope for assistance in this effort to bring his country's children back home. Pope Francis confirmed Sunday that the Vatican is involved in a secret peace "mission" in Ukraine.