Patriarch Kirill
Ukrainian Parliament moves to bar Russian-linked church from operating in the country
By David I. Klein — October 19, 2023
(RNS) — Draft law 8371, which requires another vote before moving to the president’s desk, would give Ukrainian authorities power to examine the connection of religious groups in Ukraine to the Russian Federation and to ban those whose leadership is outside of Ukraine.
Fate of historic Sofia church unclear as Bulgaria accuses abbot of spying for Russia
By David I. Klein — October 4, 2023
(RNS) — After three Russian Orthodox Church priests were expelled from Bulgaria on charges of espionage last month, their former church is at the center of a diplomatic rift between the Russian and Bulgarian governments and an ecclesiastical one between the two countries’ Orthodox churches.
Russian patriarch reminds Africans of advantages in following Kremlin’s lead
By Tom Heneghan — August 2, 2023
(RNS) — Kirill's appearance underlined the importance of the soft-power influence that the Russian Orthodox Church exerts for Moscow in Africa.
Biden to meet with pope’s Ukraine peace envoy, with the plight of children top of cardinal’s agenda
By Nicole Winfield and Zeke Miller — July 19, 2023
ROME (AP) — White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Biden would meet with Zuppi on Tuesday to “discuss the widespread suffering caused by Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine."
Catholics and Orthodox join forces for peace amid Russian and Ukrainian skeptics
By Claire Giangravé — June 30, 2023
(RNS) — Papal envoy Cardinal Matteo Zuppi met with political and religious representatives in Moscow, June 28-30.
Can ecumenism survive some Orthodox churches’ resistance to ordained women?
By Anna Piela — April 13, 2023
(RNS) — The issue of female ordination is threatening to define the future of ecumenism and Orthodoxy at large.
‘Prayer is our only weapon’: Monks at Kyiv monastery resist planned eviction
By Meagan Saliashvili — March 28, 2023
(RNS) — The monastery’s fate has been in question since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 has brought a series of crackdowns on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has historical ties to Moscow.
Faith leaders call for Putin to extend Christmas truce into a permanent cease-fire
By Kathryn Post — January 5, 2023
(RNS) — ‘There are always risks in peace. But there’s a bigger risk in war,’ said one pastor calling Ukraine to embrace the truce.
Scrutiny of Ukraine church draws praise, fear of overreach
By Associated Press — December 12, 2022
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday announced measures primarily targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is one of two major Orthodox churches in Ukraine following a 2019 schism.
World Council of Churches head meets with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
By Jack Jenkins — October 20, 2022
(RNS) — The Patriarch reportedly said churches 'must not add fuel to the fire' of political conflict but has been widely accused of doing just that.
Is Pope Francis’ diplomacy of dialogue failing?
By Claire Giangravé — September 20, 2022
(RNS) — In Kazakhstan, Pope Francis could not dialogue with Russia or China, but Vatican experts say the real work happens behind closed doors.
At World Council of Churches gathering, Russian church keeps its membership
By Jack Jenkins — September 9, 2022
(RNS) — The 11th assembly of the World Council of Churches approved a statement on Thursday (Sept. 8) regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill cancels Kazakhstan trip and chance to meet with Pope Francis
By Jack Jenkins — August 24, 2022
(RNS) — For the second time this year, an in-person meeting between the two global religious leaders has fallen apart.
Ukrainian church seeks Kirill’s removal over ‘heretical’ defense of Russian invasion
By Marika Proctor — August 1, 2022
(RNS) — While the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s letter is addressed to the Ecumenical Patriarch, the letter speaks to concerns for the entire global Orthodox Christian community.
Pope to Kazakhstan Sept. 13-15, may meet Russia patriarch
By Nicole Winfield — August 1, 2022
ROME (AP) — Francis and Kirill, who had a first historic encounter in Havana in 2016, have spoken by video call at least once since the war began.
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