A Spiritual Conflict Rooted in History
The war in Ukraine is not just a geopolitical conflict, but also a spiritual one, according to leaders of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). They warn that Vladimir Putin's Russia views the war as a "holy war" against the West, fueled by a deep-seated belief in the need to liberate Ukrainians from the "Godless West."
His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphany, leader of the OCU, and his delegation recently visited the United States for the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C. They spoke about the spiritual dimension of the war, highlighting its role in both its initiation and escalation.
"From the point of religious view, this is a liberation of Ukrainians from [the] Godless West, from the evil. And Russia brings to Ukraine the light and truth."
This view has led some, including Catholic intellectual George Weigel, to accuse the Russian Orthodox Church of being a mere tool of the Kremlin, serving Putin's political agenda under the guise of religion. Weigel notes that after Ukraine's successful resistance thwarted Russia's initial plans, the war's justification shifted to a "crusade in defense of Christian civilization."
Putin's ultimate goal may extend beyond reuniting the Soviet Union or defending Christian civilization. He may seek to establish Moscow as the "third and final Rome," labeling other Christian denominations as heretics and pagans.
This conflict has deep historical roots, stemming from the five ancient churches established by the apostles who knew Jesus personally. The war in Ukraine represents a clash between these ancient traditions, with Putin exploiting religious beliefs to fuel his political ambitions.
The OCU leaders, present at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., expressed their hope for peace and commended President Trump's desire to act as a peacemaker. They believe that prayer and God's intervention are crucial for resolving this complex conflict.
6 Comments
Loubianka
“Using religious language to frame the conflict sounds like propaganda to justify political ambitions rather than addressing the real issues.”
Donatello
“I agree that Putin’s framing of the war as a ‘holy war’ reveals disturbing manipulation of religion for political ends.”
Raphael
“I question the credibility of anyone using deeply held spiritual beliefs to serve political agendas. It’s manipulation at its worst.”
Leonardo
“This narrative seems like an oversimplification—the war in Ukraine is primarily a geopolitical conflict driven by power and resources, not some grand spiritual battle.”
KittyKat
“While religion is important, it’s misleading to claim that it is the primary driver of this war. Political strategy and national security are at play.”
Raphael
“I appreciate that the article goes deeper than geopolitics to shed light on the spiritual roots behind the conflict—it’s an aspect too often ignored.”