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The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) continues to play a significant role amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions. In 2025, the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience recognized the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as affiliated with the ROC. This decision has strengthened the perception of the ROC as a significant player in regional politics. Additionally, recent reports highlight how Russian occupiers are leveraging religion as a propaganda tool in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories. Globally, the ROC maintains its influence, exemplified by meetings between its representatives and key figures like Pope Leo XIV. This underscores the ROC's involvement in international religious and political dialogues. These developments highlight the complexities of the ROC's political and cultural influence in both Ukraine and on the world stage, raising important questions about its future role.
What is the relationship between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church?
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), specifically the Kyiv Metropolis, has been recognized by Ukraine's State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). This affiliation suggests a political and religious linkage, reflecting broader regional dynamics. The affiliation implies significant influence by the ROC over certain factions of the UOC, influencing religious and political discourse in Ukraine.
What role does the Russian Orthodox Church play in Russia's geopolitical strategy?
The Russian Orthodox Church has been used as a tool for promoting Russian geopolitical interests. In the occupied territories of Ukraine, the ROC is seen as a vehicle for spreading propaganda. Its international relations, such as meetings with global religious leaders, suggest the ROC's strategic involvement in promoting Russia's interests on the international stage, aligning with broader political tactics.
How has the international community responded to the actions of the Russian Orthodox Church?
International responses have varied, ranging from political criticism to religious dialogues. Countries like the Czech Republic have raised concerns about the ROC's influence, urging investigations into its operations. The Vatican has engaged in dialogues, reflecting both concern and the complexity of international religious relations with the ROC amid geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Ukraine.
How are religious activities being used in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia?
Religious activities, particularly by the Russian Orthodox Church, are alleged to be used in supporting Russian military efforts and spreading propaganda. Instances include blessings of combatants and using religious narratives to justify military actions. These actions solidify the ROC's role in the cultural and political dimensions of the ongoing conflict, contributing to its view as a tool of Russian statecraft.
What are the potential implications of religious affiliation changes in Ukraine?
The recognition of Ukrainian churches' affiliation with the ROC carries implications for national identity and sovereignty. It affects Ukraine's cultural and political landscape, potentially influencing public opinion and international perceptions. Such affiliations might impact Ukraine's internal religious dynamics and broader geopolitical relationships, challenging its cultural autonomy amid Russian pressures.
News Russian Orthodox Church
Lavrov on inspection of cultural artefacts at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: "Legalised sacrilege with Europe’s connivance, where Satanism is flourishing". VIDEO Sergey Lavrov, the foreign minister of the aggressor state, has once again resorted to religious rhetoric in an attempt to discredit the Ukrainian authorities’ efforts to return state property to community management. This time, the target of his criticism was the routine procedure for... 9 950 53
Russian teenagers demonstrate their proficiency with Kalashnikov assault rifles in Orthodox Church near Moscow. VIDEO The Russian Orthodox Church continues to transform itself into a military commissariat, using religious buildings to militarise young people. According to Censor.NET, in the village of Obukhovo (near Moscow), one of the Russian Orthodox Church's churches organised firearms training for teenagers. 5 388 46
UOC-MP recognized as affiliated with ROC – DESS The State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) has recognized the Kyiv Metropolis of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church. 8 361 56 Previously in trend: UOC ties to ROC
Russia setting up production of anti-drone bells made of foil and cardboard, designed by Russian Orthodox priest. VIDEO A video has been published online showing a group of Russian women making anti-drone bells out of foil and cardboard. 8 905 34
Pope Leo XIV meets with representative of Russian Orthodox Church in Vatican On Saturday, July 26, Pope Leo XIV met in the Vatican with the head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk. 3 617 30 Previously in trend: Pope meets with representative of ROC
Occupiers are building ROC churches in Zaporizhzhia’s TOT, - National Resistance Center Russian occupiers have intensified the use of the church as a propaganda tool in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. 1 126 10 Previously in trend: Occupied territories - Crimea and Donbas
Metropolitan Tikhon of Russian Orthodox Church made territorial claims against Turkey: "I believe that Constantinople will return to its native harbor, just like Crimea". VIDEO Metropolitan Tikhon of Simferopol and Crimea, who is considered the main candidate for the Russian Orthodox Church patriarch after the death of the current head of the Russian church, Kirill, has declared territorial claims to Turkey. 12 338 84
Priest enraged head of Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, by saying that priest should lead to kingdom of heaven, not engage in patriotism: "Sit down and think about what you have said". VIDEO The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, was angry with the priest who expressed the opinion that "a priest should lead to the kingdom of heaven with his word, not engage in patriotism". 15 443 35
Russian Orthodox priest’s parting words to Russian stormtroopers before attack: "Guys, pray, f#ck!". VIDEO A video was published online showing a Russian Orthodox Church priest giving parting words before the assault in front of the Russian occupiers. 17 434 42
Devout occupier is crossing himself in hiding place and disappears after Ukrainian kamikaze drone attack. VIDEO The operator of a Ukrainian kamikaze drone killed the occupier with a direct hit. 10 448 32 Previously in trend: War
ROC priest blesses African mercenary to kill Ukrainians. VIDEO A video of a Russian Orthodox Church priest performing a religious ceremony on an African mercenary of the Russian army was published online. 9 232 51 Previously in trend: War
Fight between supporters of OCU and UOC-MP in cathedral in Cherkasy: Criminal proceedings have been initiated - police. PHOTOS Police in Cherkasy region have opened a criminal investigation into hooliganism after a fight broke out between supporters of the OCU and believers of the Russian Orthodox Church near St Michael's Cathedral in Cherkasy. 12 079 94
Supporters of Russian Orthodox Church seize St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy: Police are documenting circumstances of conflict Supporters of the Russian Orthodox Church stormed St. Michael's Cathedral in Cherkasy and caused a mess there. The police are identifying all the participants in the incident. 8 917 82
Supporters of Russian Orthodox Church seize St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy and create mess there. VIDEO In Cherkasy, supporters of the Russian Orthodox Church stormed St Michael's Cathedral and made a mess there. 21 826 103
Priest from Russian Orthodox Church proposes to ban quadrobists from using toilet paper: "Let them lick it like cat". VIDEO During a sermon, a Russian priest called supporters of the quadrobists' movement "perverts" and suggested that they be banned from using toilet paper. 9 663 76
Russia wants Trump to "repeal" Ukraine’s laws on language and UOC-MP if he wins US election Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would "welcome any initiatives" to end the war in Ukraine from Republican Donald Trump if he wins the US presidential election. Russia's leadership wants Trump to get two Ukrainian laws repealed. 17 827 123
Real dove of peace, just end for Putin, prophecy. Fresh photo jokes from Censor. NET A fair ending Design of the monument to Volodymyr Small. Sculptor S. Leshchenko. Museum of Historical Decisions at the Ministry of Unity of Ukraine 2024 15 585 28
Priests of Russian Orthodox Church are "helping" to extinguish fire at oil depot in Rostov region, which has been burning for fourth day. PHOTO In the Rostov region, Russian Orthodox priests hold a prayer service near an oil depot that has been on fire for four days. 9 489 85
Czech Parliament calls on intelligence agencies to check for Russian influence in country’s Orthodox churches Pavel Fischer, chairman of the Czech Senate's security committee, believes that the government should instruct the security services to investigate the threat posed by the country's Orthodox churches. He said that they could be used for Russian influence operations. 2 538 16
UOC MP Metropolitan Ionaphan was exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war - mass media Metropolitan of Tulchynsk and Bratslav UOC MP Ionafan Yeletsky was handed over to representatives of the Russian Federation in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war. 12 631 50 Previously in trend: Prisoner swap
Russian on battlefield, kneeling, looks at Ukrainian UAV, bows and reads "prayer from demonic drones". VIDEO A video has been posted online showing the occupier kneeling and bowing when he sees a Ukrainian drone. 14 595 29 Previously in trend: War
In Estonia, Moscow Patriarchate is recognised as institution that supports Russian aggression On Monday, 6 May, the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) adopted a statement condemning the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate in justifying and supporting the Russian aggression against Ukraine and declaring the Moscow Patriarchate an institution that supports the military aggression of the Russian Federation. 2 127 27
Surviving cross on dome of destroyed church in bombed and occupied Novomykhailivka in Donetsk region. VIDEO The occupiers published a recording of the "liberated" Novomykhailivka in Donetsk region. 5 937 6 Previously in trend: War
PACE recognizes Putin’s illegitimacy as Russian president and ROC as propaganda tool - resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe stated in its resolution that it considers Russian President Vladimir Putin illegitimate, and recognized the Russian Orthodox Church as an instrument of Russian influence and propaganda. 10 076 52
Fighters against global "Satanism", Ze!legislation, future of Russia. Fresh photo jokes from "Censor. NET" A selection of photo jokes from Censor.NET 14 284 4 Previously in trend: Political collages
Russian Orthodox Church released "Patriarchal Calendar" with UOC-MP bishops. PHOTO The Russian Orthodox Church released the Patriarchal Calendar, which includes all the bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church ("Moscow Patriarchate"). 10 707 45
Pious occupier runs and makes sign of cross after surviving Ukrainian drone strike. VIDEO The Ukrainian drone operators eliminated the occupier in the second strike. 15 650 33 Previously in trend: War
DIU on "Orthodox PMCs" in Russia: Last masks of ROC are off The Russian Orthodox Church is a part of the Russian Federation’s special services. And the emergence of PMCs as part of the ROC indicates that the last masks have been removed from the ROC FSB. 5 618 21 Previously in trend: War
Inflatable temple with crew of combat priests was demonstrated at Russian forum "Army-2023". VIDEO A mobile inflatable Orthodox church was displayed at the Army 2023 exhibition in Russia. 12 022 64 Previously in trend: War
ROC Patriarch Kirill’s website "blesses" Ukrainian Armed Forces counteroffensive. PHOTOS On main page of patriarch’s official website, hackers posted a text in support of Ukrainian Armed Forces’ counter-offensive and a video posted earlier by Armed Forces’ commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi. 21 626 23 Previously in trend: War
21 shots from a tank: mercenaries of "Wagner" PMC destroyed Holy Annunciation Church of UOC (MP) in Bakhmut. VIDEO Mercenaries of the "Wagner" PMC in Bakhmut destroyed the Church of the Holy Annunciation, in which the priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP) conducted services. 25 147 52 Previously in trend: War
Head of Russian Orthodox Church Kirill was engaged in espionage for KGB in Switzerland in 70s, - Mass media In 1970s, Patriarch Kirill of Russian Orthodox Church spied on Switzerland for Soviet Union. 11 961 40
Polish Orthodox Church sent greetings to Kirill. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland called it "fatal" The head of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church (PAOC), Metropolitan Sava of Warsaw and All Poland, sent a congratulatory letter to the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill Gundyaev on the occasion of the enthronement anniversary. The Polish MFA criticized the metropolitan’s actions. 16 211 42
Ukraine imposes sanctions against 22 Russian clergymen. LIST Ukraine imposed sanctions on Mikhail Gundyaev, nephew of Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev), and 21 other Russian clergymen. 6 659 24 Previously in trend: Sanctions against Russia
Putin threatens responsibility for oppression of ROC in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin threatens to punish those who oppress the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. 28 028 112 Previously in trend: War
Patriarch Kirill of Russian Orthodox Church proposes to establish "Christmas truce" The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Kirill, calls for a "Christmas truce" in Ukraine. 12 005 84 Previously in trend: War
"European Solidarity" demands immediate adoption of law banning activities of Russian Orthodox Church and its subordinate organizations in Ukraine "European Solidarity" demands the urgent adoption of the Law on ensuring strengthening of national security in the sphere of freedom of conscience and activity of religious organizations. 5 742 60
ROC betrayed God, - Kuleba on role of Moscow Patriarchate in aggression against Ukraine Moscow Patriarchate went against God’s will by supporting war unleashed by Russia against Ukrainian people. At the same time, all religious groups that try to destroy Ukrainian statehood will be suppressed without hesitation. 5 227 57
SSU finds libraries with pro-Kremlin literature, cash and dry rations of Russian army in Kharkiv diocese of UOC-MP. PHOTOS Security Service has completed counterintelligence (security) measures at UOC (MP) facilities in Kharkiv region. 10 835 43 Previously in trend: War
Peskov about searches in Lavra: This is Ukraine’s war with Russian Orthodox Church The press secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitriy Peskov, said that the searches in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra are Ukraine’s war with the Russian Orthodox Church. 11 759 87
ROC Patriarch Kirill stated about a threat to Russia’s existence. This is a pretext to use nuclear weapons Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch said that people of Russia face dangers that challenge very existence of their country. Such a threat is a reason for nuclear weapons use, which is prescribed in Russian military doctrine. 28 284 155
ROC priest who suggested Russian women to give birth more so that it would be easier to endure mobilization was killed in war with Ukraine Priest of Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Diocese Mikhail Vasilyev, who was a rector of a church at Russian Strategic Missile Forces headquarters, was killed in war against Ukraine. 24 490 125 Previously in trend: War
Kyslytsia to Macron: ROC is an integral part of a criminal regime Russian Orthodox Church is an integral part of Putin’s criminal regime. 5 261 20 Previously in trend: War
Patriarch Kirill believes that occupiers in Ukraine "defend Russia on battlefield". VIDEO Patriarch Kirill said that the occupiers fighting in Ukraine "are defending Russia on the battlefield." 14 685 96 Previously in trend: War
"Independence" of UOC MP was initiated by State Department of USA, but unity remains, - ROC The ROC commented on the "proclamation of independence" of the UOC-MP. 15 688 69
Patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church Kirill congratulates Zelenskyi on election victory Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has congratulated Volodymyr Zelenskyi on his election as president of Ukraine. 9 768 222 Previously in trend: Presidential election 2019
Epiphanius: Ukrainian, Russian parishes to restore friendship eventually Head of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine (OCU) Epiphanius calls for putting no pressure on those who want to stay with the Russian Orthodox Church and hopes that good relations will be eventually restored. 13 611 221 Previously in trend: Creation of local church
"There's nothing for you here, go back home to Russia," Poroshenko on Russian church, army presence in Ukraine President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko says the authorities in Ukraine clearly share the principle of non-interference of the state in church activities which especially applies to Russia, the interference of which has always been taking place in recent years. 48 310 485 Previously in trend: Creation of local church
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