Ukrainian Spiritual Leader Condemns Russian Orthodox Church as Kremlin Extension
In the midst of President Donald Trump’s efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) has raised a red flag, pointing out that Vladimir Putin’s Russia views the ongoing battle as a “holy war” against the Western world. Recently, a delegation from the OCU visited the United States to attend the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphany, the spiritual leader of Kyiv and the whole of Ukraine.
The underlying spiritual warfare between Russia and Ukraine has been a significant factor in the origins and escalation of the conflict, as discussed by His eminence Metropolitan Yevstratiy, the deputy head of the OCU’s external church relations. According to Yevstratiy, Russia perceives its actions as a means of liberating Ukrainians from the “Godless West” and bringing light and truth to the nation. However, critics like Catholic intellectual George Weigel have accused the Russian Orthodox Church of aligning itself with the Kremlin’s political agenda, rather than serving its religious purpose.
Accusations Against the Russian Orthodox Church
Weigel, in a publication for First Things, highlighted how the war in Ukraine took on new dimensions when Russia’s justifications shifted towards defending Christian civilization. The rhetoric surrounding the conflict began to resemble a crusade, with Moscow’s Patriarch Kirill even promising Russian soldiers a direct path to paradise if they perished in battle. This extreme narrative painted a picture of the war as more of a political jihad rather than a religious endeavor, raising concerns about the manipulation of faith for political gains.
The independence granted to Ukraine’s Orthodox Church in 2019 by the ecumenical patriarch in Istanbul sparked controversy and backlash from Moscow, with Kirill and Putin refusing to acknowledge the authority of Patriarch Bartholomew. This move further strained the already tense relations between the Ukrainian and Russian Orthodox Churches, laying bare the geopolitical implications of religious autonomy.
Theological Underpinnings of the Conflict
Delving into the intricate dynamics of the Orthodox churches, it becomes evident that the roots of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine run deep in the historical and theological foundations of Christianity. As the oldest branches of the Christian faith, these churches trace their origins back to the apostles who directly encountered Jesus. The apostolic lineage, spanning from Constantinople to Rome, Jerusalem, and beyond, underscores the spiritual significance of the rift between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the global implications of their discord.
Metropolitan Yevstratiy and Metropolitan Epiphany, representing the OCU, attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., where they heard President Trump express his aspiration to broker peace in the region. Their presence at this event highlighted the intersection of faith and diplomacy, as leaders from different nations and religious backgrounds came together in pursuit of a common goal.
In conclusion, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as viewed through the lens of the Orthodox Church, transcends mere geopolitical disputes to touch upon sacred histories and theological doctrines that shape the identity of nations and individuals alike. As the world watches the ongoing tensions unfold, it is crucial to recognize the intricate tapestry of faith, power, and ideology that underpins this complex narrative of spiritual warfare and political strife. May God bless Ukraine. May God bless America. The full interview is available on Lauren Green’s Lighthouse Faith podcast, accessible on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms.
