Ukraine Moves to Ban Russian-Aligned Orthodox Church Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine Moves to Ban Russian-Aligned Orthodox Church

In a significant legislative move, Ukraine’s Parliament has approved a bill that sets the stage for a potential ban on a branch of the Orthodox Church aligned with Russia. This decision marks a crucial step in a long-standing post-Soviet divide between two of the world’s largest Orthodox communities, further complicating the religious landscape amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian authorities have raised serious concerns regarding the Russian-aligned church, accusing it of engaging in influence operations and espionage activities during the war. The schism between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church has significantly influenced the conflict, as Orthodox Christianity remains the most widely practiced religion in both nations. Historically, both churches were part of the same ecclesiastical hierarchy under the Moscow patriarchate until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Over 30 years ago, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine broke away and re-established its authority under a prelate based in Kyiv. Nevertheless, a considerable number of parishes in Ukraine continue to affiliate with the Russian church.

The presence of the Russian-aligned church has introduced complex issues regarding national security and religious freedom for the Ukrainian government, particularly since some of its clergy have been perceived as supporters of the Russian invasion. In response, the government in Kyiv has taken steps to transfer several holy sites to the Ukrainian church’s control, resulting in hundreds of local parishes shifting their allegiance from the Russian church.

The recently passed bill represents a more decisive action. If it receives the signature of President Volodymyr Zelensky, it could lead to a formal legal prohibition on the Russian-aligned church. The legislation specifically prohibits any religious organization from maintaining connections with a government engaged in warfare against Ukraine. It directly targets the Russian Orthodox Church, labeling it as an accomplice in “war crimes and crimes against humanity.” Furthermore, the bill establishes a committee tasked with assessing whether local churches violate Ukrainian laws by retaining ties with the Moscow patriarchate.

It is noteworthy that President Zelensky, who is Jewish and not affiliated with any Orthodox denomination, has shown strong support for national security measures regulating the activities of the Russian church. His anticipated approval of the bill underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the presence of the Russian-aligned church in Ukraine.