• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Thursday, March 23, 2023
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Orthodox Times (en)
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
Orthodox Times (en)
No Result
View All Result

Russian deliberate war against Orthodox temples in Ukraine

Feb 24, 2023 | 09:00
in Carousel Front Page, Opinions
OSCE: Russia must stop attacks on churches in Ukraine

by Oleksander Kostiuk, PhD of Philosophical Sciences, Associate Prof., Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine

Russians destroy Orthodox churches and mark their equipment with a pentagram, while Ukrainians mark themselves and their weapons with the sign of the cross. What is the reason?

According to the Ukrainian project “Religion on Fire”, which registers Russian military crimes in the religious sphere, from February 24, 2022 to August 24, 2022 the destruction of 251 religious facilities was documented, of which 177 were Orthodox churches. According to the Institute for Religious Freedom, as of January 2023, 494 religious buildings, religious educational institutions, and shrines were destroyed or damaged. In particular, in Donetsk region – 120, Luhansk region – 71, Kyiv region – 70, Kharkiv region – 51, Chernihiv region – 18, Sumy region – 14.

The destruction of cathedrals and churches is becoming widespread. The Russians might think that there could be stockpiles of weaponry and ammunition there, actually considering the church as a part of the state. This is a common position for Russia, because their priests mostly have military ranks and serve the Russian government instead of God and flock. Even Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church is part of the Russian state apparatus, belonging to FSB. In particular, the archives of the Swiss police show that Vladimir Gundyaev (Patriarch Kirill), when he lived in Switzerland in the 1970s, was an officer of the KGB of the USSR. There is a detailed investigation by Tagesanzeiger, Le Matin Dimanche and DW. His actions supporting and encouraging Russia’s war against Ukraine in the 21st century only confirm this position.

St. Michael’s Cathedral in Mariupol, Donetsk region, was destroyed among the major religious buildings
As a result of the shelling, the facades, windows and the dome of the chapel of St. Martyr Tetiana, built on the territory of the Azov State Technical University in 2011 in Mariupol, were damaged
Damaged Sviatohirsk Lavra, Donetsk region
All Saints’ Skete in Sviatohirsk Lavra, Donetsk region
All Saints’ Skete in Sviatohirsk Lavra, Donetsk region
The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myrlyki in Volnovakha, Donetsk region

At the same time, Russian troops are destroying many local churches, which are not built in Ukraine for budget money as in Russia. Ukrainian Orthodox churches are built at the expense of the money allocated by the municipalities, ordinary people who want to pray and be close to God. In other words, in Ukraine, these churches are the epicenter of the active religious life of the communities.

Organizations that collect information and evidence of the crimes of the Russian military cannot give an unambiguous answer to the question: why do Russians destroy religious sites or turn them into weaponry stockpiles, barracks, hospitals, and command posts? Either they see huge warehouses there, or they think that there are really personnel there, or it is simply hatred of everything Christian Orthodox or everything they consider not theirs. Thus, it seems like they do not consider Orthodoxy to be theirs, because when they see a Christian church, they immediately strike it with artillery, tanks, or blow it up, and these sites are not necessarily on the front line, they can be in the relatively far, several kilometers from the front line.

In particular, the following churches were completely destroyed: St. George’s Church (1873), Zavorichi village (Kyiv region).

The Temple of the Ascension of the Lord, Lukianivka village
The Temple of the Ascension of the Lord, Lukianivka village
The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the village of Vyazivka, Zhytomyr region

Perhaps this is due to the fact that in the understanding of Russians, Orthodox churches are buildings where no holy sacraments are performed, people do not go there. In Russia, Orthodox churches are built by the state for budgetary funds. Their (Russian) churches exist for show, there is a huge number of them, but it may turn out that the number of churches is greater than the number of parishioners.

Contrary to Ukraine where each church is a center of social and spiritual life. That is why, in the understanding of the Russian military, Orthodox churches are basically not related to people – they are just some empty buildings they come across and they just shoot, just as they do with people’s homes and even pets. Only for fun or because they can.

Eventually it doesn’t matter what the reason is for committing this acts. The only important thing is that this is done by a society that practice hypocrisy, pretends to be Orthodox Christians, but inside does not follow any values, any feelings and personal involvement with the Christian God and, in principle, humanism.

On the other hand, Ukrainians have a real, not just statistical, religious life. Even the Ukrainian army has the sign of the cross on its weapons and equipment, which symbolizes the struggle for Christian civilization. Ukrainians are fighting not only for survival, but also against people who have declared Christianity as their banner, but in reality have the devil in their hearts.

But how can we expect anything else from a society that still honors the Soviet pentagram (red star) as the main sign of the Russian army. This is a sign that symbolizes not only totalitarianism and concentration camps, but also the most radical form of atheism that was inherent in the USSR.

For the entire 70 years of its existence, the Soviet government was engaged in the destruction of churches and atheistic propaganda, and modern Russia has become the heir to this cause, only now their atheism is called Orthodoxy.

However, in essence, it has nothing to do with Christianity. It is enough to look at the icons of Putin and Shoigu to understand that Russian Orthodoxy is not Christianity, but a so-called civil religion that primarily aims to honor authoritarian power and the state.

The icon appeared in the occupied city of Alchevsk, Donetsk region. This photo was posted on Twitter by Ukrainian journalist Denis Kazansky
The icon is on sale at Russia’s Pulkovo airport, blogger Alexander Chaplygin reported in 2020
The icon is on sale at Russia’s Pulkovo airport, blogger Alexander Chaplygin reported in 2020

In contrast, Ukrainians are actually marching to defend orthodox values, just remember that Ukrainians go into battle with the sign of the cross on their weapons, while Russians go into battle with the red pentagram.

The people of Ukraine have seen the true face of Russians and have the opportunity to tell other nations who might still be under the illusions about Russian spiritual culture. The sense of culture ultimately comes down to the actions in the everyday lives of people. Meanwhile these Russian people set up torture chambers in Orthodox churches, where they interrogate and kill civilians and organize weapons depots and barracks.

The use of the Church of the Ascension in the village of Lukashivka, Chernihiv region, as a headquarters, weapons depot, and place of torture and murder of local residents is documented. This was reported by the commander of the “North” command, Major General Viktor Nikoluk, who was in charge of the defense of Chernihiv. Later, during the demining of the area, the information about the executed residents was confirmed by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

Photos credit: culturecrimes.mkip.gov.ua, mkip.gov.ua, Facebook account of National Police of Ukraine, dess.gov.ua, twitter accounts @ArkChaplygin, @den_kazansky

Tags: Opinions

Follow OrthodoxTimes.com on Google News and learn all the news about Orthodoxy in Greece and worldwide.

All the latest developments in the Orthodox world, society and humankind, at the moment they happen, at OrthodoxTimes.com


Related Posts

The inner human universe
Opinions

The inner human universe

March 14, 2023
Fr Georgios Lekkas: Orthodoxy means Unity
Opinions

Fr Georgios Lekkas: Orthodoxy means Unity

March 5, 2023
Metropolitan of Sweden to make a pastoral visit to Kalmar
Opinions

Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden: Alain Lefèvre, Alain Delon, and Judgement Sunday

February 20, 2023
Metropolitan John Zizioulas of Pergamon: A Theological Pioneer Who Has Left His Mark on Our Archdiocese and School
Opinions

Metropolitan John Zizioulas of Pergamon: A Theological Pioneer Who Has Left His Mark on Our Archdiocese and School

February 15, 2023
Fr Georgios Lekkas: Open city
Opinions

Fr Georgios Lekkas: Open city

February 6, 2023
Archbishop of Australia: We are children of God and of Virgin Mary and we are not afraid of anything
Opinions

Archbishop Makarios of Australia: ‘Instead of a wreath’ to Metropolitan John of Pergamon

February 4, 2023
Load More
Next Post
Message from the Metropolitan of Kyiv one year after the Russian invasion: They have blood on their hands that cannot be washed away

Message from the Metropolitan of Kyiv one year after the Russian invasion: They have blood on their hands that cannot be washed away

Latest News

Patriarch of Romania met with new US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec

Patriarch of Romania met with new US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec

by NewsRoom
Mar 22, 2023 | 18:45
0

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Patriarch Daniel of Romania welcomed Kathleen Kavalec, the Ambassador of the United States of...

Metropolis of Sweden financially vindicated by Swedish Court

Metropolis of Sweden financially vindicated by Swedish Court

by NewsRoom
Mar 22, 2023 | 18:15
0

In a recent decision, a Swedish court directed that the Swedish labor union “Vision” pay compensation to the Holy...

Metropolitan of Bessarabia met with Romanian Ambassador to Chișinău

Metropolitan of Bessarabia met with Romanian Ambassador to Chișinău

by NewsRoom
Mar 22, 2023 | 17:30
0

Last week, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia met with Cristian Leon Țurcanu, Romania’s Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. Ambassador...

Patriarch of Alexandria: The Patriarchate of Moscow acts like a thief in the night

Patriarch of Alexandria: The Patriarchate of Moscow acts like a thief in the night

by NewsRoom
Mar 22, 2023 | 16:40
0

Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa characterizes the Patriarchate of Moscow as a "thief in...

President of the Lithuanian Parliament: Orthodoxy came from Constantinople to our land

President of the Lithuanian Parliament: Orthodoxy came from Constantinople to our land

by NewsRoom
Mar 22, 2023 | 16:13
0

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) Viktorija Nielsen during his visit to the...

Patriarch of Romania bestowed church distinction on Maramureș gendarme for reaching 100th blood donation

Patriarch of Romania bestowed church distinction on Maramureș gendarme for reaching 100th blood donation

by NewsRoom
Mar 22, 2023 | 14:51
0

Cosmin Barabaș, a gendarme in the county of Maramureș in northern Romania, attained his 101st blood donation milestone as...

Newsletter

Sign up for our weekly newsletter



Quick Links

  • Orthodoxy
  • Politics
  • Society
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • History
  • Press Releases

Get Social

About Us

Advertise

Contact

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com
digital world media

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Orthodoxy
    • Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Dioceses of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
      • Mount Athos
      • Archdiocese of America
      • Archdiocese of Australia
      • Church of Crete
    • Patriarchates
      • Patriarchate of Alexandria
      • Patriarchate of Antioch
      • Patriarchate of Moscow
      • Patriarchate of Serbia
      • Patriarchate of Romania
      • Patriarchate of Jerusalem
      • Patriarchate of Bulgaria
      • Patriarchate of Georgia
    • Churches
      • Church of Greece
      • Church of Cyprus
      • Church of Poland
      • Church of Albania
      • Church of Czech and Slovakia
      • Church of Ukraine
  • Politics
    • USA
    • Europe
    • Middle East
  • Society
    • Greek Diaspora
    • Culture
  • Spirituality
  • Christianity
  • Opinions
  • Greek Version

© 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT