The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has dispatched a letter to priests instructing them to recite the prayer “For Holy Russia” daily during the Great Lent (source: UNIAN). These prayers express the desire for victory in the war with Ukraine. Priests who fail to comply with this directive risk being defrocked.
Amid escalating tensions on the military front between Russia and Ukraine, the ROC has taken decisive measures to support the Russian army and express solidarity with Orthodox believers regarding military operations in Ukraine. This move, even for spiritual leaders, is highly controversial and has sparked serious outrage both within the Ukrainian public and the international community.
The mere fact that this prayer is mandated under the threat of defrocking priests has sparked indignation and criticism from those who view it as political interference and a propagandist step in the war. Such actions by the church could deepen the divide between different faiths and trigger new waves of conflict both in Ukraine and Russia.
The daily prayers during the Great Lent have now become not only an act of religious devotion but also a political statement that could have serious repercussions for both countries. This step by the ROC sets new standards for the relationship between church and politics in Russia and reflects the impact of military events on all aspects of society.
However, internal church controversies and divisions could lead to further schisms within the ROC, which is already under pressure due to its role in internal and interstate conflicts. This could also raise questions about the attitude toward church autonomy and its dependence on political authority.
Despite the ROC’s efforts to support the Russian army and its operations in Ukraine, this step could also affect its international status and lead to a loss of trust from international partners. A pivotal moment for the future of the church, causing outrage and controversy, and potentially having far-reaching consequences for the religious landscape in Russia and Ukraine.