Orthodox Church of Ukraine

March 16, 2026 | Samuel Ben-Ur, Emily Hester

In Russian-Occupied Ukraine, You’re Free to Worship Vladimir Putin

The Kremlin’s religious registration rules in occupied Ukraine are intended to snuff out freedom of religion.

February 18, 2026 | Samuel Ben-Ur, Ivana Stradner

Putin Demands Believers in Ukraine Pray His Way

astor Vladimir Ryitkov was leading Sunday mass in Russian-occupied Luhansk, Ukraine when Russian military and police officers burst into his small Baptist church. Armed with assault rifles, “they brusquely...

January 15, 2026 | Jason Jay Smart, Ivana Stradner

Russian Orthodox Propaganda Takes Aim at Patriarch Bartholomew, Calling Him ‘Antichrist in Cassock’

In its ongoing attacks on religious organizations with the potential to erode Moscow’s sway in its former sphere of influence, Russian intelligence is now stooping to demonological name-calling.

February 26, 2021 | Aykan Erdemir, John Lechner

Russia-Turkey Pincer Movement Threatens Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Survival

It is time the West offered robust support to the Istanbul-based Patriarchate – now being squeezed by Ankara and Moscow, both of which see it as a threat to their illiberal projects.

November 29, 2018 | Aykan Erdemir, John Lechner

Erdoğan’s Interests Converge with Putin in Moldova’s Gagauzia

BACKGROUND: On October 17, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan touched down in Chisinau for a ...

October 31, 2018 | Aykan Erdemir, John Lechner

The Embattled Ecumenical Patriarch Caught Between Russia and Turkey

On October 15, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) announcedits decision to break with the Ecumenical Patriar...