Tag

Russian Orthodox Church

All articles tagged with #russian orthodox church

geopolitics24 days ago•6 min saved

Krelin Sends Medieval Prince’s Relics to Ukrainian Front Lines

Russian military authorities have dispatched a fragment of the remains of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, a 14th-century warrior saint, to troops in occupied Ukraine. The relic, a piece of his right hand, was recovered during Kremlin restoration work in August and is being circulated among bases to boost morale. The Moscow Patriarchate frames this as divine support for a defensive war, while critics view it as state propaganda exploiting religious symbols to sustain a grinding conflict.

via CNN|

#dmitry-donskoy #geopolitics #military-chaplains

geopolitics24 days ago•5 min saved

Kremlin Sends Medieval Prince’s Relics to Ukrainian Front to Boost Morale

Russian military authorities have dispatched a fragment of the remains of Prince Dmitry Donskoy, a 14th-century warrior saint, to troops in occupied Ukraine. The relic, uncovered during Kremlin restoration work in August, is being circulated among bases to provide spiritual support. This move reflects the deepening integration between the Russian state and the Orthodox Church, which frames the war as a defensive, righteous cause. While some soldiers find comfort in the relic, critics argue it is cynical propaganda, and overall religious practice in Russia remains low despite state-backed events.

via CNN|

#dmitry-donskoy #geopolitics #military-morale

world-news1 month ago•19 min saved

Moscow Patriarchate Sends Medieval Prince's Hand Relic to Ukraine Frontline Amid Heavy Casualties

The Moscow Patriarchate has dispatched a fragment of the right hand of 14th-century Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy to Russian troops in occupied Donetsk, claiming it will provide spiritual strength. The relic, uncovered during Kremlin renovations, was paraded in a massive Moscow procession before being sent to the front. Critics argue this move reflects the church’s deep integration into the war effort as Russia faces high casualties in its fifth year of conflict.

via nypost.com|

#dmitry-donskoy #kremlin-propaganda #military-morale

world1 month ago•1 min saved

Orthodox Church Sends Medieval Prince's Hand to Ukraine Frontline for Morale

The Russian Orthodox Church has dispatched a bone fragment from the right hand of Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy to the frontline in Donetsk, claiming it will spiritually bolster Russian troops. The relic, uncovered during Kremlin restoration work in 2026, is being paraded along the front as a morale booster amid heavy casualties.

via The Moscow Times|

#dmitry-donskoy #donetsk #relic

world1 month ago•7 min saved

Putin Inspects Newly Unearthed Remains of 14th-Century Prince in Kremlin Cathedral

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Archangel Cathedral in the Moscow Kremlin on August 20, 2026, to inspect the recently uncovered remains of 14th-century Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy. The discovery, made during restoration work, surprised historians who had believed the prince was buried elsewhere. While the Russian Orthodox Church confirmed the identity of the remains, critics argue the Kremlin is leveraging the find to sacralize the ongoing war in Ukraine by sending relics to the front line.

via The Jerusalem Post|

#archaeology #dmitry-donskoy #moscow-kremlin

militaryreligion3 years ago•4 min saved

"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.

via Kyiv Post|

#funding #investigation #militaryreligion

international-relations3 years ago•1 min saved

"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.

via POLITICO Europe|

#bulgaria #expulsion #international-relations

religion3 years ago•2 min saved

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.

via New York Post |

#peace #persecution #religion

religion3 years ago•3 min saved

"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.

via Euronews|

#clergy #peace #persecution

religion3 years ago•7 min saved

"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.

via The Times of Israel|

#clergy #peace #persecution

religion3 years ago•6 min saved

"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.

via Yahoo News|

#clergy #peace #persecution

religion3 years ago•6 min saved

"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.

via The Associated Press|

#clergy #peace #persecution

politics3 years ago•3 min saved

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.

via The Associated Press|

#calendar #christmas #politics

world3 years ago•2 min saved

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.

via CNN|

#christmas #cultural-shift #legislation

politics3 years ago•4 min saved

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."

via The Moscow Times|

#art-history #politics #russia