Russia
Calling on saints and spiritual guides, activist advocates for Armenia’s vulnerable women
By Priyadarshini Sen — August 23, 2022
(RNS) — The director of the Women’s Resource Center looks to Armenia’s ancient spiritual traditions to stay strong against the rape and death threats she’s received over the years.
Russia’s threats to shut down Jewish Agency raise alarm bells for those who remember the past
By Shaul Kelner — August 11, 2022
(The Conversation) — During the Cold War, Russia’s refusal to allow Jews to leave the country reflected its political aims. The same is likely true today, a Jewish studies scholar explains.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens a cultural heritage the two countries share, including Saint Sophia Cathedral
By J. Eugene Clay — July 28, 2022
(The Conversation) — Saint Sophia Cathedral was built under the reign of Grand Prince Yaroslav, whose father, Volodymyr, converted the region to Christianity.
Israel aims to stop Russian move against Jewish nonprofit
By Associated Press — July 22, 2022
JERUSALEM (AP) — Yair Lapid’s decision came after a spokeswoman for a Moscow District Court was quoted as saying that Russia’s Justice Ministry aims to “shut down” the Russian branch of the Jewish Agency.
The patriotic Virgin: How Mary’s been marshaled for religious nationalism and military campaigns
By Dorian Llywelyn — July 7, 2022
(The Conversation) — Many religions have been used to prop up nationalism, and Catholicism is no exception, as a Jesuit priest and scholar explains.
Incoming WCC head Jerry Pillay: ‘Our task is to proclaim God’s name’
By Jack Jenkins — July 5, 2022
(RNS) —The Rev. Jerry Pillay told Religion News Service that controversy after his election to lead the World Council of Churches was ‘expected.’
Pope denies resignation rumors, hopes to visit Kyiv, Moscow
By Associated Press — July 5, 2022
ROME (AP) — He said his knee is ‘slowly getting better’ with laser and magnet therapy.
Orthodox Christian web forum blocked by Russia over Ukraine coverage
By Marika Proctor — June 22, 2022
(RNS) — The website’s readership has more than doubled since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
UK sanctions Russian Orthodox head; decries forced adoption
By Associated Press — June 16, 2022
LONDON (AP) — Truss also targeted children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, who has been accused of enabling the taking of 2,000 vulnerable children from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine and facilitating their forced adoptions in Russia.
Where the witches were men: A historian explains what magic looked like in early modern Russia
By Valerie Kivelson — June 15, 2022
(The Conversation) — The idea of a ‘witch’ was usually female in Western Europe, but not so in Orthodox Russia – partly because of the period’s rigid social hierarchies.
Pope blasts Russian ‘cruelty,’ lauds Ukrainian ‘heroism’
By Associated Press — June 14, 2022
ROME (AP) — While sharply criticizing Russia’s invasion, Francis also insisted there weren’t “good guys and bad guys” and that Russia was in some ways provoked by NATO’s expansion east.
State Department officials report religious freedom woes, wins across the globe
By Adelle M. Banks — June 3, 2022
(RNS) — The secretary of state and religious freedom ambassador also expressed concern about an increase in antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in many countries, including the United States.
Dreher’s war, part 1
By Mark Silk — April 30, 2022
(RNS) — The first of two columns on how America's best-known Orthodox Christian writer looks at the war in Ukraine.
What is good for the planet is good for national security and economy
By Thomas Reese — April 19, 2022
(RNS) — In the war to save our nation and the planet, we are not fighting back.
Pope Francis showcases his vision for peace at Good Friday’s Via Crucis
By Claire Giangravé — April 15, 2022
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — On the day commemorating the steps of Jesus’ execution, Pope Francis focused on the need for forgiveness in overcoming the logic of war.
