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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 Church Non-Profit to Launch ‘Orthodox WhatsApp’

The messaging app will allow users to communicate directly with their local churches and clergy, as well as make donations.

‘He Was Right All Along’: 5 Years Since Arrest, Support for Anti-Putin Shaman Is Stronger Than Ever

Once dismissed by some as “a lunatic,” many now view Alexander Gabyshev’s quest against the Kremlin as prophetic in light of the war in Ukraine.

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."

Russia Bans Ruble Toilet Paper

The decorative toilet paper was deemed to “offend religious feelings” since the 1,000-ruble banknote depicts Yaroslav the Wise, who was made a saint...

Explainer: Does Russia Plan to Ban Islamic Veiling?

Spiritual authorities in at least three Russian regions have issued Islamic law rulings that ban the niqab following last month’s deadly church and synagogue...

Russian Priest’s Sons Jailed Up to 17.5 Years for Trying to Join Ukraine Army

The Ashcheulov brothers expressed opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in their closing statements, according to Mediazona.

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.

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...

After Kyiv Row, Moscow Hails Pope’s Peace Efforts

Pope Francis recently sparked outrage by urging Ukraine to "raise the white flag."

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."

Russian Tattoo Artist Charged With Offending Religious Believers – Reports

Daria Krichker whose tattoos depict cats and anime characters alongside religious imagery, was detained as she was attempting to flee to Armenia.

Russia Celebrates Orthodox Epiphany With Tradition of Icy Plunges

According to tradition, people completely immerse themselves three times to symbolize the Holy Trinity, no matter how cold the water may be.

Russia's FSB Raids Jehovah’s Witness Office in Occupied Mariupol

Russia's Federal Security Service said more than 20,000 copies of “extremist literature” were confiscated during the operation.

In Putin’s ‘Favorite’ Jerusalem Church, Ukrainian Nuns Pray for Peace

The nuns at the Alexander Nevsky Church prefer not to talk about politics — but Russia’s war is something they cannot get off their hearts and minds...

Dagestani Doctor Refused Russian State TV Appearance in Hijab

Immunologist Ayshat Idarmacheva said that her invitation to appear in a segment on Channel One was revoked after producers learned she wears a hijab.

Pastor Defends Viral 'Russia for Christ' Video Praising Ballistic Missiles

The video featured flags with the slogan “Russia for Christ” and others that appeared to show military hardware and mushroom clouds.

Russia Hands Jehovah’s Witness Follower 7-Year Jail Term for ‘Extremism’

Russia’s Supreme Court in 2017 declared the religious movement to be “extremist,” banning its estimated 400 branches across the country.

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.

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