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opinion Robert Amsterdam

Religious Freedom Is Under Attack in Wartime Ukraine

The West must continue to support Ukraine. But this must not come at the cost of a crackdown on civil liberties.

Russians Weary of War, Turning to TV for Distraction, Moscow Patriarch Says

“The large number of entertainment events and TV shows… contrasts greatly with what’s happening now” on the front lines in Ukraine, Patriarch Kirill...

Russian Orthodox Church to Promote ‘Miracle of Birth’ in Anti-Abortion Letters to Pregnant Women

The letters will sent out to regional prenatal centers at a time when women “face the most difficult choice of keeping or killing their baby.”

How the War in Ukraine Split the Orthodox Church

Many churches across Ukraine have turned their back on the Moscow Patriarchate and joined a rival group, turning away from the “Russky Mir."

Russian Priests Bless Bryansk Region Against Ukrainian Attack

The local diocese claimed that a “miracle-working” icon helped residents of Bryansk ward off Napoleon's troops in 1812.

Moscow Patriarchate Condemns Move to Ban Ukrainian Orthodox Church

A spokesman for the Russian Orthodox Church called it a “gross violation of the basic concepts of freedom of conscience and human rights.”

Ukrainian Lawmakers Vote to Ban Orthodox Church Suspected of Ties to Moscow

The vote was welcomed by Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who said that "there will be no Moscow Church in Ukraine."

In Photos: Russia Celebrates Another Wartime Easter

Vladimir Putin attended a church service, led by the head of Russian Orthodox, Patriarch Kirill, in Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Kyiv Says Orthodox Cleric Gave Moscow Ukraine Army Positions

The SBU said Metropolitan Arseniy was suspected of "disseminating information about the movement or location of armed forces" — a crime punishable by...

Russian Priest Suspended After Navalny Memorial Service

Priest Dmitry Safronov performed a memorial service at Navalny’s gravesite in Moscow on March 26, 40 days after the Kremlin critic died in an Arctic...

Russian Priests Fight River Flooding With Prayer From Above

The Russian Orthodox priests recited prayers as their plane swooped over Tobol the river, which has submerged entire fields.

Sweden Cuts Support for Russian Church After Intelligence Warnings

Sweden's Security Service said Church representatives had also acted in a manner that seemed to encourage "support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

Estonia Banishes Russian Orthodox Leader as ‘Security Risk’ – Police

Police said Metropolitan Eugene had repeatedly been asked to stop justifying Russia's invasion of Ukraine and defending the Kremlin.

Russian Orthodox Church Says Equates Abortion to ‘Cardinal Sin’ of Murder

The Russian Orthodox Church has been at the forefront of recent calls to ban abortion nationwide.

Ukraine Files Charges Against Russian Orthodox Chief

Kyiv wants "to bring Patriarch Kirill to justice" for "infringing" on Ukraine’s territorial integrity, justifying armed aggression and planning and preparing...

Ostracized From Kremlin-Aligned Church, Russia's Anti-War Priests Offer 'Alternative Orthodoxy'

Religious anti-war organizations have gained traction in recent months. Whether they can form a unified movement remains to be seen.

Airport Riot 'Attempt to Sow Discord' Between Jews and Muslims – Orthodox Leader

Patriarch Kirill, a fervent supporter of President Vladimir Putin, saw outside interference in the riot, as did the Kremlin.

Nuclear Weapons ‘Saved’ Russia – Patriarch Kirill

“Were it not for the work of [Soviet atomic bomb creator Igor] Kurchatov and his colleagues, it is difficult to say if our country would still exist...

Moscow 'Outraged' as Bulgaria Expels Orthodox Church Head

Bulgarian authorities accused the Russian Orthodox Church representative in Sofia of acting in the interests of the Kremlin.

Russian Ex-Priest Who Criticized Ukraine Offensive Jailed

Ioann Kurmoyarov was charged after allegedly posting "several videos with false information about the use of the Russian army" on his YouTube channel.

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