The Modern Axis of Christian Persecutors
In China, faith in Christ as the only way to heaven is considered “cultist” theology by the government. In Russia, Christians must seek state approval to proselytize and are often...
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow
EU’s New Russia Sanctions Target Evasion Mechanisms, But Enforcement Challenges Remain
The European Union continues to tailor its sanctions net around Russia’s war effort. On July 23, Brussels rolled out its 21st package of economic sanctions targeting Russia. This package, the...
Policy Briefs
Why the EU Should Sanction Russia’s Patriarch
The Russian Orthodox Church’s sanctification of Russia’s war on Ukraine has met with little retort from Europe.
Op-eds
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.
Op-eds
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...
Op-eds
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.
Op-eds
What it means for Russia’s fight in Ukraine to be a ‘holy war’
Excerpt The Russian Orthodox Church is supposed to bring people closer to God, not to Russian President Vladimir Putin. And yet, that seems to be just what the ROC is doing under Patriarch...
Op-eds
Serbian and Russian Orthodox Churches Unite Against West
As part of Russia’s plan to undermine cohesion in Europe, it hopes to pull Serbia away from its path toward the EU by emphasizing traditional Orthodox ties.
Op-eds
Russia Is Not the Champion of Christian and Traditional Values
For years, Putin has sought to present Russia as the champion of Christian and traditional values. He portrays the West as a dystopia of decadence, where elites push “strange and trendy ideas like...
Op-eds
Waging Psychological War Against Russia
The U.S. has a real opportunity to erode Putin’s propaganda.
Op-eds
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.
Op-eds
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 ...
Op-eds
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...