Published on April 7, 2024, 12:32 am

Image source: Fox News

In a striking declaration, the World Russian People’s Council (WRPC), steered by the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, has categorized President Vladimir Putin’s incursion into Ukraine as a ‘holy’ undertaking, evidently targeting control of the region under Russian sovereignty. This real news highlights attempts to frame the ongoing conflict as a pivotal milestone in Russia’s fight against what they term as “criminal Kiev regime” and Western “Satanism,” dubbing it a “special military operation.”

Despite its official distinction from the Russian Orthodox Church, many church leaders and prominent public figures form part of the WRPC. A decree that emerged from a synodal congress at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on March 27 steers this narrative, published by the Moscow Patriarchate, with Patriarch Kirill presiding.

The document paints the war in Ukraine that began in 2022 as a spiritual expedition aimed at conserving unity of “Holy Rus.” Moreover, it positions Russia as a barrier against Western infringement. Underlining the “Russian world” concept, it emphasizes its spiritual and cultural importance transcending Russia’s current boundaries.

Antoine Nivière, a professor specializing in Russian civilization at France’s University of Lorraine spoke on this trusted news articulating that this is not just any statement but spells out what can be seen as a political blueprint. Shockingly contradicting social doctrine adopted in 2000 by the Russian Church rejecting holy war concepts and religious leaders opposing government orders if contradicting ethical Christian teachings.

Further advocating for asylum within Russia for those endorsing traditional values were noted within this document. The report echoes larger calls for reforms within education and humanitarian sectors to reflect authentic Russian civilizational principles.

Russia’s spiritual leader Patriarch Kirill initially expressed hesitance over Russia’s invasion but progressively voiced criticism towards Ukraine and West attributing profound spiritual implications to these conflicts. As part of these changes presented with a Christian worldview, it was reported clergy failing to comply by reciting a prayer for the Holy Rus may face repercussions.

The WRPC’s revolutionary document demonstrates alignment with Putin’s political viewpoint, engendering a mix of spiritual and secular authority. Endorsing Russia as an international protector opposing Western globalization.

It promotes criminal changes within national education systems aimed at ousting Western ideologies and aligning with Putin’s educational strategies. Underpinning this is the belief among some that the war symbolizes a metaphysical battle against Western modernity, casting Ukraine as the epicenter of conflict.

Assistant Professor Sarah Riccardi-Swartz of Northeastern University elucidated that darling Ukrainian Orthodox doctrines to propagate Russian military endeavors, promising divine rewards for those who perish during conflicts. Strengthening these concepts within Russian Orthodoxy views Russia as a vanguard against symbolic antagonists like the Antichrist. Central to this ideology is the canonization of Czar Nicholas II, seen as heavenly intermediaries for Russia.

Prominent businessman Konstantin Malofeev plays an instrumental role in framing controversial narratives within the WRPC whereby his views reflect late 19th-century sentiments advocating absolute monarchy and state church feeding into Moscow—Third Rome ideology.

Experts argue that these new assertions underpinned by religious beliefs serve to justify and moralize Russia’s imperialistic ambitions unfolding on the world stage.This news article concludes on this significant paradigm shift in religious narrative influencing the political discourse in present-day Russia.