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The Latest Breaking News from The Russian Orthodox Church

EU fails again to sanction Patriarch Kirill as Bulgaria slaps veto

Bulgaria succeeded in its opposition to blacklisting Patriarch Kirill and Vagit Alekperov, as both contentious names were removed from the EU sanctions package that remains under negotiation.

Euronews

How Russia turned to medieval saints in its push for ‘traditional values’ – and more babies

One Saturday afternoon in May 2026, families gathered on Poklonnaya Gora, a hilltop war memorial park in western Moscow. They came for a procession and a “moleben,” an Orthodox prayer service, for the well-being of Russian families. Church media billed it as the first Day of the Sanctity of the…

The Conversation

Bulgarian prime minister opposes EU sanctions on Russia's Patriarch Kirill

"The era of the Crusades is over," the Bulgarian prime minister said on Thursday as he confirmed his opposition to the proposal.

Euronews

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EU targets Russia's Patriarch Kirill in new sanctions proposal

Patriarch Kirill, the head of Russia's Orthodox Church, is among the many names included in the latest proposal of EU sanctions against Russia.

Euronews

Former Archbishop of Canterbury: Putin is a heretic – he has no holy mission in Ukraine

INTERVIEW: For years, the Russian Orthodox Church has given its blessing to Moscow’s brutal invasion and attempted to frame it in religious terms. The former archbishop tells Maira Butt that Vladimir Putin’s violence directly contradicts the message preached by Christ

The Independent UK

Hybrid war or holy war: Do IS and Russia share the same playbook?

The so-called Islamic State group and Russia use similar tactics: propaganda, disinformation, and targeted recruitment of vulnerable groups. Hybrid warfare today, terrorism back then – methods designed to destabilise societies.

Euronews

Orthodox patriarch defends recognition of an independent Ukrainian church

The spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians has defended his 2019 decision to recognize an independent church in Ukraine

The Independent UK

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A US Orthodox nun became an online influencer. Then she spoke out against the war

Sister Vassa Larin was widely known for teaching thousands on YouTube about saints and holy days

The Independent UK

(Un)orthodox intelligence operations: How Russia is using its churches abroad

Sweden is reportedly probing a Russian Orthodox church in the town of Västerås over possible hybrid warfare techniques, a new investigation shows.

Euronews

Russian priest arrested during Sunday service for 2014 photo with Ukrainian flag

Nikolai Savchenko said police came to his St Petersburg church during Sunday service to detain him

Evening Standard

Is Ukraine’s largest church still pro-Russian?

Ukraine is preparing to celebrate Christmas on December 25 for a second year but divisions persist.

Al Jazeera

Ukraine Bans Religious Groups Tied To Russian Orthodox Church

Ukraine's parliament passes bill banning Russian Orthodox Church-linked groups amid conflict, highlighting religious and cultural tensions.

Top News

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 908

As the war enters its 908th day, these are the main developments.

Al Jazeera

Ukraine's parliament approves ban on Moscow-linked religious groups. One church is seen as a target

Ukraine’s parliament has banned the activities of religious groups tied to the Russian Orthodox Church or any other faith group supporting Russia’s invasion

The Independent UK

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The Independent UK

Russian artist released in swap builds a new life in Germany, now free to marry her partner

Sasha Skochilenko and Sofya Subbotina are planning to get married

The Conversation

Ukraine war: religious leaders are playing an important (and unusual) role

The Russian Orthodox Church has approved a statement describing Russia’s “special military operation” as a holy war, arguing that all of Ukraine should be Russia’s exclusive zone of influence. Said Ismagilov, one of Ukraine’s top muslim leaders, joined the armed forces to fight against Russia’s mass invasion, claiming a Quranic…

International Business Times

Gunmen Kill 19 In Russia's Dagestan Region

Attacks on churches and synagogues in Russia's Dagestan region killed 15 police officers and four civilians, officials said on Monday, stoking fears over Islamist violence in the historically restive North Caucasus.

International Business Times

Gunmen In Russia's Dagestan Kill Police And Priest In 'Terror' Attack

Gunmen attacked churches and synagogues in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan on Sunday, killing at least eight police and national guard officers and a priest, officials said.

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The Guardian - UK

The Guardian view on Patriarch Kirill’s support for Putin’s war: betraying the faith

Editorial: With talk of ‘holy’ conflict, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church is bringing the institution he heads into disrepute

Top News

Russian Orthodox Priest Suspended For Navalny Services Participation

Patriarch Kirill suspends priest for involvement in services for late opposition leader Navalny. Close ties between Russian Orthodox Church and Putin's gov...

Al Jazeera

‘God of war’: Russian Orthodox Church stands by Putin, but at what cost?

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church is the president’s spiritual leader, but he risks losing global clout.

Al Jazeera

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 691

Here is the situation as the war enters its 691st day.

The Independent UK

Orthodox mark Christmas, but the celebration is overshadowed for many by conflict

Orthodox Christians packed churches on Saturday night for Christmas Eve services, a holiday overshadowed for many believers by conflict

Al Jazeera

Ukraine picks new Christmas date in break with Russian tradition

For the first time in a century, Ukraine will celebrate the holiday on December 25 rather than January 7.

International Business Times

Ukrainians Defy Moscow With First Dec. 25 Christmas

Many Ukrainians will on Monday celebrate Christmas Day on December 25 for the first time, after the government changed the date from the Orthodox Church observance of January 7 in a snub to Russia.

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