Russia’s Holy War against the West: A Diplomatic End to the Ukraine Conflict
As the Biden administration seeks a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, religious leaders from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) raise grave concerns about Russia’s underlying motivations. They allege that President Vladimir Putin views the conflict as a "holy war" against the Western world.
The Spiritual Dimension of the Conflict
A delegation from the OCU recently visited the United States for the International Religious Freedom Summit in Washington, D.C., led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphany, the head of the church.
Metropolitan Yevstratiy, the deputy head of the OCU’s external relations, explained in an interview with Fox News that Russia frames its invasion as a "liberation of Ukrainians from the Godless West." According to Yevstratiy, Russia claims to bring "light and truth" to Ukraine, contrasting itself with the perceived darkness of Western influence.
Other observers, such as Catholic intellectual George Weigel, accuse the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) of being a mere extension of the Kremlin, a religious facade for Putin’s political ambitions.
Escalating Propaganda and Justification
Weigel notes in the magazine First Things that when Ukraine’s resistance shattered Russia’s initial expectations of victory, justifications for the war evolved. The conflict became a crusade in defense of Christian civilization, "a liberation of Ukrainians from the Godless West."
Yevstratiy recalls how, at the war’s outbreak, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow told Russian soldiers that they would ascend to paradise and have their sins forgiven if they died in battle. This rhetoric closely resembles the "Political Jihad" of extremist groups rather than the teachings of the Gospel.
Church Schism and Moscow’s Influence
In 2019, the OCU gained independence from the ROC, a move recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarch in Constantinople. Moscow and Patriarch Kirill strongly opposed this separation, refusing to acknowledge the authority of Patriarch Bartholomew.
Putin’s Apocalyptic Vision
Yevstratiy reveals an even more sinister dimension to Putin’s war aims. He claims that Putin aspires to usher in a third and final Rome in Moscow, an empire that would eclipse all other Christian denominations and label them as heretics and pagans.
Historical Roots and Global Impact
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is deeply rooted in the history and spirituality of Orthodox Christianity, dating back to the founding of the church by the apostles. The apostles spread Christianity from Jerusalem and Antioch (Rome) to Constantinople and Alexandria, leaving behind churches that played a pivotal role in shaping the religion.
Thus, the war in Ukraine has profound spiritual implications for Orthodox Christians worldwide. Putin’s ambition to establish a Moscow-centered empire threatens to divide the faith and undermine its global unity.
Diplomatic Efforts and Prayer
Metropolitan Epiphany and Yevstratiy attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C., where President Trump expressed his desire to foster peace.
Yevstratiy expressed appreciation for Trump’s efforts, saying, "We pray and ask God Almighty to bless this very good and Christian desire."
Conclusion
The war in Ukraine is a complex geopolitical conflict with profound religious undertones. Russia’s portrayal of the conflict as a holy war against the West has escalated the violence and deepened the divide between the Orthodox Churches. As diplomatic efforts continue, it is crucial to understand the spiritual dimensions of the conflict and the role of religious leaders in shaping its outcome.
