Ukraine special: The religious roots of Putin's invasion - Fr Cyril Hovorun & Clifford Longley

Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine is more than just a geo-political conflict. The Russian leader believes in the spiritual destiny of a united 'Holy Rus' that goes back to the conversion of Vladimir the Great in 984.
Ukrainian Orthodox scholar Fr Cyril Hovorun and Catholic journalist Clifford Longley discuss how the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church plays into the conflict and what can be done.
For Fr Cyril Hovorun: www.sanktignat...
For Clifford Longley's article: www.thetablet....
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[@acpgiga]

Very good, that was excellent , Thank You all for this and God Bless... I totally agree that true religious education is what keeps war from breaking out rather than creating it...

[@aimsdrew9]

This is such an important discussion that really should be shared widely. So few people have any awareness of this critical component in the conflict and everyone would be well served to know more about this.

[@TexanEnglish1]

Yes! As a Christian, I note that Christians -on both sides of this conflict, -are full of rationalizations and reasons to support war and aggression. I also note 70 years of Conservative Christian support for US wars of aggression, and opposition to the US anti war movement. Also noted: full support for the gun and weapons industries. This has left the US with no moral leg to stand on -and it points directly to the moral hypocrisy of “patriotic” American Christianity, In this conflict -we can note that everyone is crowing about god being on their side, Yours in Christ, M

[@BruceWayne-ri4wr]

Most people in the West don't even know that for all his flaws Putin is a very devout Christian Orthodox Christian and he takes it deadly serious and most people here in the west I even heard the news call it the Red army and I'm like these are not communist Putin does not view himself as a communist he views himself like the czar of Russia from the Middle ages I hear people continually calling them communist they could be further from a truth Putin sees himself as like a medieval king who's fighting for Christendom

[@loveandmercy9664]

For many conservative Christians in the west the Putinization of Christianity is somewhat idealized. Things like secularization, human rights, ecumenicism, tolerance, defending faith rather then defending the FAITH are seen as things that are weakening the church.

[@TexanEnglish1]

@@BruceWayne-ri4wr yep! It’s not like Russia has anything to do with “the workers revolution” anymore. Just as the Tsars were the Leader of the ROC, German Christian bowed to Hitler, and Trump leads American Evangelicals, the moral authority of the Church is compromised by corrupt politics and politicians. “At the exact moment Putin announced the “special military operation” in (i.e. invasion of) Ukraine, Kirill issued a toothless statement that not only failed to plainly call for the end of violence, but actually re-stated the historical justification for the invasion that had been offered by Vladimir Putin earlier in the week. This shouldn’t be too surprising as it’s the same version of history Kirill has used before to argue against the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and in favor of keeping Ukrainian Orthodox Christians under the yoke of Moscow.”

[@TexanEnglish1]

@@loveandmercy9664 I am trying to understand your comment. Can you expand a bit? I wonder about (your idea of) “faith” vs. “FAITH” (?). Is(n’t) this about Divine Hiddenness?

[@michaelzelesnik9860]

Good discussion and insight. Would suggest that you also talk about how the Bolshevik revolution in 1917 contribute to this situation and how they martyred thousands of priests and believers and destroyed thousands of churches in the Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and influenced the survival mode of religion and the church. This is a significant cause of how we got to this situation that is not widely understood.

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

Thank you for a very good point. So called Bolshevik revolution was prepared by the British Government, free masonry and jewish BnaiBrit order, isn't it ? And more than 130 jewish Bolsheviks, including Trotsky arrived in Russia to lead the coup. Are you aware that all the GULAG bosses were jews?

[@Argos2335]

Russia was specifically mentioned by name at Fatima. The Russian Orthodox Church must start serious communications with the Catholic Church especially in Portugal.

[@Argos2335]

Russia was specifically mentioned by name at Fatima. The Russian Orthodox Church must start serious communications with the Catholic Church especially in Portugal.

[@jotunman627]

@@Argos2335 In 1914 and again in 1987, Our Lady allegedly appeared in the village of Hrushiv, Ukraine. The first apparition occurred on 1914, just before World War I broke out. “There will be a war. Russia will become a godless country. Ukraine, as a nation, will suffer terribly for eighty years - and will have to live through the world wars, but will be free afterwards.” Our Lady appeared on 1987 - exactly one year after the Chernobyl disaster. “I have come on purpose to thank the Ukrainian people because you have suffered most for the church of Christ in the last 70 years,” Our Lady said. “I have come to comfort you and to tell you that your suffering will soon come to an end. Ukraine will become an independent state.” “Do not forget those who have died in the Chernobyl disaster. Chernobyl is a reminder and a sign for the whole world.” This prophecy proved to be most auspicious. Russia did indeed become a godless country following the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. And the atheist leaders of the Kremlin inflicted the most horrible crimes against the people of Ukraine. There was the Holodomor, during which 4 million suffered a slow and agonizing death by starvation. There were also purges, the destruction of the Ukrainian churches, both Orthodox and Catholic, the enormous devastation and suffering inflicted upon Ukraine during the second world war by both Nazi and Soviet armies, followed by new waves of persecution upon the annexation of Western Ukraine, and many more horrors including the Chornobyl disaster. And then, almost 80 years after the apparition, in 1991 Ukraine became independent.

[@jotunman627]

@@Argos2335 The 1914 apparition at Hrushiv also proved to be a prelude to the much-better known apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, when the Holy Mother appeared to three children in 1917. There too she warned of upcoming wars and a godless Russia.

[@nickmaliha983]

Despite my sympathy with the Ukrainian people, I have to admit that the discussion was biased and judgmental -ignoring facts pushes us to be biased in our conclusions. The two speakers expressed their political views in blaming Putin and Patriarch Kirill for the war rather than calling for a shared responsibility (nothings comes out of nothing) among all parties involved in escalating the situation in Ukraine. Furthermore, ignoring facts, cheering Drone strikes from Poland and accusing clergy of being KGB agents makes us wonder about the purpose of their discussion. We all prayed and asked God to help prevent this unnecessary war for the best benefit of mankind... May all the departed souls from all sides rest in peace in the heavenly kingdom of God. Lord have mercy…

[@dukeofdenver]

Interesting conversation. I didn't know a lot of this. Thank you

[@janemorrow6672]

That was an absolutely fantastic conversation. Thank you all very much.

[@fifitheflowerpot]

Unbelievable🤔 one sided argument.

[@thingsoldandthingsnew1993]

No consideration of the Russian position other than to say they are all ‘KGB’

[@eliasnasser1160]

Please give us your view of how the horrors being visited upon Ukraine is part of some greater good Please enlighten me

[@thingsoldandthingsnew1993]

@@eliasnasser1160 I have written my thoughts on the matter below, also note that I never claimed to be in favor of Russian military intervention. I am observing and commenting about the lack of a nuanced discussion concerning the events leading up to the invasion. Don't get your panties in a bunch

[@jeffreyfisher4854]

Clifford suggests that 1 in 3 Russian Orthodox priests are KGB. Perhaps that's true. I don't know, but I do think it's important to know that similar accusations have been made about Catholic priests often being in league with western intelligence agencies. And so, if both of these accusations are true then you would have both western and eastern clergy as extensions of western and eastern political entities. Each putting forth their explanations for why the other is wrong in what's it is doing. And this is one of the difficulties of this whole situation. The West is no longer good (if it ever was) and so the East and the West are two sides of the same coin vying for power. Each says the other is the evil one and we must unite against them. What is guaranteed is destruction for those had no power to stop any of this.

[@emilianoestevarena5071]

Nah, it's false. The Russian Church operates worldwide. Most of their faithful are children of people displaced by the Communists. And the main priest of Ukraine, Metropolitan Onuphry, belongs to the Russian Church, which was founded in Kiev. This war is quite distressing and baffling for Orthodox Christians. The Russian Church is allied to Putin mainly because the Russian Federation has been investing in the restoration of churches throughout Russia.

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

Thank you for your insight . This is exactly what the ordinary people worry about. I recently discovered a profound historical analysis of Stalin made by an American scholar prof S. Kotkin. In my humble opinion it's worth reading to get better understanding of the difficult task of establishing identity of the present Russian elite.

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

We all live in the time of extreme turmoil, so a lot of things are changing in the world. There mustn' t be overly simplistic view on the current events. I mean that it's impossible to take sides or perform any kind of analyses out of the wider context. Otherwise it's easy to be trapped in false conclusions based on wrong or false assumptions. For example, it's quite legitimate to say that there is a third party interested in the conflict between the Russian and the Ukranian people. Not necessarily the so-called West. If people take a bit closer look at the parties interested in the military around Crimea, Donbass and South-Eastern part of the Ukraine, there will be found interests of Poland, Romania, Turkey, Israel, to say nothing about our British " partners and friends" who are well known for stirring Wars around the world. I, personally, was taken aback when I came across a number of video lectures from the jewish rabs talking about their khasar heritage. So, does it mean that today's Israel can claim the above mentioned territoties in the Ukraine as their sacred land?! And you know what, there is also a man, Harry Ber-kut, who insists on it. He even established an organisation and social network for promoting these types of ideas among jewish diaspora. How's abor that? Isn't it a vested interest in the military conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, so that two nations collide and kill each other's sons? Isn't it a good plan to profit from war? And what about those who supply weapon to the Ukranian army?

[@mikloszrinyi]

Without a biblical understanding of world events, nothing makes sense.

[@johnekopy]

People could obviously point out I'm from the west so I wouldn't understand, that being said. I can't see any religious reason Putin should want Ukraine. Russia is a gigantic country full of resources. Most of Russia is not populated. The only reason I can come up with is pride. If Putin is truly religious he should focus on himself and his country becoming closer to God. He could have asked the Ukrainians for forgiveness for what Stalin did to them. Then maybe Ukraine would want to be closer to Russia. It's not like the west is becoming closer to God.

[@machintelligence]

He wants to be Vladimir the Great. Make Russia great again.

[@micindir4213]

Please remember that stalin shot whole russian orthodox church patriarchs in 40ies. And in 1946-1947? He formed new kgb approved church. Now imagine secular kgb apparatchik becoming religous in his 40ies. Modern russian church is full of those post kgb obscurantists who want to serve their master (church and state not separated) and putin believe them. It's a feedback loop that result in utter insanity of all parties involved. What putin hated most was the creaton of OCU (orthodox church of Ukraine) that is subordinate to greek patriarchs directly , bypassing russian (post kgb) church. There is definitely religious dimension to all this, but with communist / kgb / psychpath twist. So putin Is the one who can sustain 30-50% loses, because he is religiously motivated. But people? Motivated only by fear and intimidation.

[@johnekopy]

@@micindir4213 My mistake is I'm probably mixing up "religion" and Christianity. From a Christian perspective, I'm still racking my brain trying to steal-man Putin's reasoning. I suppose from a religious perspective maybe it makes sense to some Russians.

[@loveandmercy9664]

He used to get so much praise from conservative Christians as some restorer of Christian morals and values. I've always felt the Russian Orthodox church should try to improve relations with the Jewish people over the pomgroms like the Catholic and mainline protestant churches have.

[@matimus100]

All Saint's are virgins and that is a written fact they keep telling me.

[@haqoe9857]

This is very bias. You should ahve invented someone who has a pro Russia/putin perspective.

[@marialanthony]

Agree.. one sided.

[@eliasnasser1160]

@@marialanthony yeah just like you should have a Nazi give their perspective on the 1939 invasion of Poland

[@haqoe9857]

@@eliasnasser1160 the nazis are supporting Ukraine so that's ironic.

[@t.l.1610]

How is it biased? What specific points do you take issue with?

[@eugeniaereglidis8342]

Let’s start mentioning NATOs involvement in this war to be fair

[@lutsuki4779]

I learned a lot, thank you!! 🇧🇷 praying for peace to Ukraine

[@peterboos930]

Very informative and interesting

[@matimus100]

From primates subjects.

[@JK-uo3pd]

No Russian representative on the show?

[@ms_ps91]

First Time I ever saw an Orthodox priest in public without a clerical collar!

[@thingsoldandthingsnew1993]

Yeah, makes you think…

[@eliasnasser1160]

@@thingsoldandthingsnew1993 makes you think what exactly??

[@thingsoldandthingsnew1993]

@@eliasnasser1160 Sorry if my sarcastic comment hurt your feelings, straightforwardly I am implying that perhaps he has motives that aren't strictly clerical in nature

[@eliasnasser1160]

@@thingsoldandthingsnew1993 you have not hurt my feelings I am fascinated by your abilities to ascertain motives of an individual by their attire But I suspect your statements & ascertainment of motives are of no value to a thinking person You are just a cymbal clanging making noise of no value

[@buddyschreizerden3611]

@@thingsoldandthingsnew1993 He's in Sweden. I live in Norway and am catholic. I'm very used to see clerics wearing shell jackets like he is wearingg outside their clerical clothing. That's because its cold... 🙄

[@StephensCrazyHour]

Fascinating discussion

[@janturczynski4979]

God bless the Ukraine!

[@haqoe9857]

God bless Russia

[@matimus100]

Superstitious nonsense right here children 👆🤡👇

[@haqoe9857]

@@matimus100 calling is superstition does nothing. We don't care if you think religion is superstitious.

[@TheIconodule]

Is this an approved narrative only episode? Putler evil and nothing more can be said?

[@WillMakeYouFree]

Orthodoxy did not start în Russia or Ukraine. It's the Eastern Christian Church based în Constantinopol, Eastern Roman Empire, the Greek side of Christianity vs the Western, Latin one based în Rome. After the fall of Costantinopol în 1453, to the Turks, the Orthodoxy moved to Russia, the spiritual New Constantinopol.

[@Tatyana1243]

How is it an honest discretion if there are no representation of other side? We are smart enough to make our own decision . Or we are not?

[@rsp7029]

Hearing someone with a British accent talk about America breaking the rules raises my ire. Rule Britannia, Britannia waives the rules. And me being American has nothing whatsoever to do with it.

[@dugfern]

This bombardment from east to west reminds me of Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow.

[@susanpower-q5q]

Thank God for Michael Davies Apologia Pro Marcel Lefevre in which he mentions Liberal Mouthpiece Clifford Longley Volume 3 Chapter 65 John Paul II at Canterbury/ Canossa in Reverse

[@JeansiByxan]

It's horrifying that Russia seems trapped between an endless battle of either rabid atheism or rabid religion.

[@kimfreeborn]

Religious adherence would seem to be a central problem.

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Where does Putin diverge friom Ivan Illyin's ideas ?

[@ninakotyk]

Не обманывайтесь и Путина не водите в заблуждение!!!!

[@2balastair]

I read an article recently saying that there is no church as sold out to the state as Muscovite Russian Orthodox. Would you agree. If so what part do corrupt oligarchs play in this deal?

[@realestateunplugged6129]

I'm starting to appreciate the protestant reformation more from this, including seperation from church and state, particularly the U.S. Constitution. Too bad our sins still ruins our constitution and our efforts at reformation. #1 Obey God love God #2 honor neighbor love others #3? Go back to 1. Lol

[@drummerboy737]

God will remember those who appreciated the great efforts good Christian men made to offer a better world albeit not in the way we have been accustomed.

[@TNPTVconnect]

What a load of nonsense!

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

What a shame for a catholic , a presumably protestant and a deflected priest to discuss the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church!

[@loveandmercy9664]

For many conservative Christians in the west the Putinization of Christianity is somewhat idealized. Things like secularization, human rights, ecumenicism, tolerance, defending faith rather then defending the FAITH are seen as things that are weakening the church. I think for people who are anti-religion or a religious liberal Putin and the Russian Orthodox church support their confirmation biases.

[@matimus100]

Coming from Primate subjects

[@Yeobebes]

There was an opportunity when Justin asked if atheists and secular society will again blame religion for this war, I was expecting the guests to instead play neutral with their answers but rather blame atheistic view of Putin or rather we need more religion. In the whole conversation they sought to blame in part the Orthodox Church’s alignment with Putin just like we saw with the Catholic Church and Nazi. We need to rise above these artificial barriers like religion, nationalism, race etc otherwise these nonsense will never stop.

[@matimus100]

Primates

[@matimus100]

Im sorry praying or karma will not save innocent women and children's lives ! 👫🌏🦉

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

If you're American you can understand Russia better accepting that Ukraine is Russia's Panama Canal.. Any common sense thought experiment gives you all you need to know.

[@matimus100]

All Saint's are virgins they keep on telling me and that's a fact.

[@Re_Ruggero]

And because you're American you miss the Historical context completely

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

@@Re_Ruggero lol I'm only speaking from historical context. .thats all I take into consideration. The Russification of Ukraine made it the nation it is today . it's been unfortunate geology next a super power that makes its necessary to be at the very least a neutral buffer stats between Russia and nato.

[@dadsonworldwide3238]

@@Re_Ruggero What has America done on the past to the Panama canal and how far would they go to keep it under their control? They would fight till the last man in dc was dead that's his much. This is hos Ukraine is for Russia and how far they are willing to go to keep Ukraine under their sphere of influence .i

[@Re_Ruggero]

@@dadsonworldwide3238 Old historical context, 500 years before America was even discovered

[@thebones]

so here we go again, more religious arrogance and idiocy.

[@conandeckard5541]

insightful contribution, thank you

[@matimus100]

According to some primates in charge praying or karma will resolve these world issues for children next 😢

[@conandeckard5541]

Penetrating analysis 🧐 appreciate it

[@davidbradley834]

Maybe christianity is more of a political movement harbored by Jesus and later adapted by Paul to suit his needs at the time. It feels like christianity = power. We can control the masses by God said this!!!!

[@drummerboy737]

Yeah I don't think that jives with every bit of evidence provided. I would assume it's more like the world is fallen and God perpetuates imperfect leaders and meanwhile gives temporal judgments for flagrant disobedience and bad stewardship and rewards diligent hardworking and abuse tolerating peoples. I would imagine the low casualties will be the best objective standard as to what should have happened in Ukraine.

[@theeyesoftruth1815]

Two weeks ago I was thinking I wanted more orthodox presence in this channel, I was even thinking of suggesting potential guests and then this happened 😉

[@paulhart1218]

An hour well spent watching this video. Well conducted by the interviewer with intelligent and insightful contributions from both Fr Cyril and Clifford Longley

[@matimus100]

Apparently according to some primates in charge praying or karma will resolve these world issues for children next 😢 🤔

[@gospeljoy5713]

Two words Grace and Love. What has happened? Coming to Jesus through grace and being a follower in Love. Jesus said the world would know us by our love. The Church of Jesus Christ is in the ministry of hating evil but that is translated in seeing lives changed to new creatures not killing or destroying people. That is what the thief does steals, kills and destroys. The real enemy is the devil and his demons who time is growing very short. My kingdom is not of this world else would my servants fight. Martyrdom means willing to die for our faith but is on a personal basis.

[@brotherandrew3393]

This aggression has nothing to do with holiness.

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

How about jewish exeptionalism disclosed in Talmud? Let's discuss it first place

[@МыколаНетребко]

Where can I look at a video about religious roots of Iraq invasion? Oh never mind. Christians are NOT hypocrites.

[@liammccann8763]

'Russia will be an instrument of your chastisement' - Our Lady of Fatima 1917.

[@davidbrown5923]

1917 the year of the communist takeover - so the beat up themselves ?

[@liammccann8763]

@@davidbrown5923 I would hope this quote would encourage people to explore the Fatima apparitions in 1917. There were six in total from May until October on the 13th of each month. Our Lady also warned 'Russia will spread her errors'. We ought to be mindful that in 1917 Russia was in no way the force it was to become. Ne timeas.

[@jotunman627]

@@liammccann8763 Russia is a special mention from God...her errors which she had spread to the world especially to the west's "culture of death" that the idea of the good life was a libertine and materialistic lifestyle. - and removing of God from our society and culture. - the desecration of the sanctity of life and the family. Stalin called for an "atheist five year plan" from 1932-1937, in order to completely eliminate all religious expression in the USSR. It was declared that the concept of God would disappear from the Soviet Union. The first modern no-fault divorce law was enacted in 1917 in Soviet Russia. A primary goal of the Bolsheviks was to break down the traditional ‘bourgeois’ structure of the family in order to equalize the status of men and women - Soviet Russia under Lenin became the first country in the world to allow abortion in all circumstances.

[@khaderlander2429]

We learn, as Solzhenitsyn so profoundly insists, that the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And we learn, as well, that we all are, each of us, simultaneously oppressor and oppressed. A person who is not inwardly prepared for the use of violence against him is always weaker than the person committing the violence. If only it were all so simple! If only there were evil people somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them. But the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart? Religion gets drafted into the fray and is used and always abused by those seeking a political gain. I hope Ukrainians defeat evil and stop this oppression.

[@loveandmercy9664]

I love Solzhenitsyn but he trashed the west and went back to Russia and did photo ops with Putin. "The president knows only too well what incredible difficulties, both domestic and external, he has inherited and which are to be avoided today. I would like to praise the prudence and soundness of his decisions and judgements. At large, he has a quick mind and agile wit and has no lust for personal power, no thrill of power. He really works hard. Hard because the tasks are extremely hard to accomplish." Sholzhenitsyn on Putin

[@WilliamMoses355]

What year was that quote? A decent-ish case could be made that when Solzhenitsyn died in 2008, Putin seemed less bad than he does now; the Georgia invasion was 5 days away.

[@loveandmercy9664]

@@WilliamMoses355 (interview with the Russian television dated September 21, 2000 I've been to Georgia and there's not a lot of love for Russia there. They have streets named after George W. Bush jr and the Russian langauge is being phased out and replaced with English as a second language.

[@tonyholmes962]

As ever with intellectuals Sol was great critic but nutty advocate.

[@loveandmercy9664]

@@tonyholmes962 that's a good point .

[@jjmthree]

Terrible podcast full of speculation and non information.

[@denniscanales4780]

Bravo Justin keep on bringing capable and knowledgeable individuals on relevant themes and events.

[@JM-yg9ty]

Putin made it a holy war when he sent in Chechen soldiers and hired Syrian mercenaries.

[@vpcc2011]

I do appreciate your giving the date the session was recorded.

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

I'm very much interested in discussing the war crimes of american government in Irak, Syria, Lebanon, Lybia and bombing of Serbia. What about Viet Nam?

[@protestanttoorthodox3625]

Lord have mercy

[@rainerthurnher5593]

Great analysis, very informative, good job! Many thanks!

[@refuge42]

Very interesting exchanges here and I appreciate hearing them. The topic of Putin's religiosity or his metaphysical historical conceptions of the existence of old Russia is rarely considered. Just like the historical and complicated history of Eastern Europe is really considered. Usually what is discussed is the raw militarized results of Europe and nato in the United States versus Russia essentially acting out the alternative history of 20th century Europe and Hitler's evil parade across it. The idea is if only we had stood up to Hitler earlier and not been afraid of recreating world war I. The creation of NATO and its purpose which revolves around article 5 an attack against one is an attack against all would stop any aggressor from daring to proceed. However it hasn't stopped Putin. Now we have to consider if we militarily stop him will he go to world war III, the likes of which world war II and world war I would be small potatoes by comparison. He's playing Russian roulette with the entire continent of Europe. And the only sane way out is for those around him to give him the same treatment his similar predecessor and namesake got when he put Russia in such a dire strait in world war I. It's time for the people that are near him to Rasputin Putin.

[@abrahamphilip6439]

When Priests are looked upon as politicians., they talk as politicians.

[@refuge42]

I am enjoying the insights and background to Putin's religiosity so thank you all very much, it is often overlooked as is the history that he's hinging to it going back to Vladimir the Great thousand years ago? More than any other fact about Putin this connection alone tells us he is crazy enough to push the big red button. That's the effect religion has on people, or cultism and he is certainly developing that skill set at the same time. Think of Jim Jones and Jonestown, however imagine the horror invoked there being triggered in Europe and the world when Putin's fragile ego gets the better of him. We do need to move with caution and play a higher game.

[@ejt3708]

"You will recognize them by their fruit" (Matthew 7:16a). I think the part that the discussion missed, is that Christians are quick to apologize for others that claim to be Christian. Though Putin prominently wears a gold cross and publicly attends church, that doesn't make him Christian. Christians are not judging when we quote Galatians 5:19-21 or the many other clear passages that identify those that are headed for hell. Many nominal Russian and American Christians etc. today support and follow dictators and their evil behavior, so the solution is to educate the supporters and followers so that they see their end, as described clearly and repeatedly in the Bible.

[@denisefielding5124]

What a tragedy that Ukraine could be paying the price as a catalyst, for the West to wake up, turn back to Faith in God and away from atheism. I have just seen 'statistics' which seemed quite extraordinary when one considers how blessed the 'West' Europeans have been for decades and largely 'lost' the living faith in the Risen Christ and the Truth of the Word. Have Mercy on all Dear Father and may we all repent for our arrogance and presumption. Thank you for this interview. It seems so balanced, kindly and loving I feel free to share with you an unexpected 'vision' a few weeks ago. It showed a loving hand gentlly holding a long lead, of a 'bay' was the word I heard, but the horse was red grazing in a green field. I understood it to mean the Rider was not about to mount the red horse. I sought out a scripture that came to mind - of the Red Horse of revelation. And a Bay horse is 'red' with black mane and tail. And in whose hand is the scale? The rider on the black horse. I wondered as I am not in the habbit of reading and striving to understand that Book of The Word of God. .Revelation.

[@timelord5920]

Another dimension of Putin’s worldview is his relationship with Jewish groups, particularly Chabad (that’s where his numerology/gematria fascination stems from) Check out Times of Israel article “Is love or politics behind Putin’s promotion of Chabad? Preferential treatment by the Russian leader for the hassidic sect makes it the largest religious force in a secular Jewish community”

[@terryhuffaker3615]

?

[@margahe9157]

Thank you very much for this urgently needed video!

[@marilynscott2662]

Surely it's about power he just wants more ?

[@micindir4213]

No, he has unlimited supply of power over nation that likes it harder and harder. The more you hit them, the more they love you, so to speak. He's probably tired of all earthly joys and whatever hedonistic lifestyle you could imagine. Sorry to write this but here goes the list: Multiple wives / harem Gay marriage (shoygu, miller) Child molestation/ child harem Drugs / psychedelics / mushrooms (again , retreating to tayga with shoygu alone ). The world is tasteless now. Nothing stimulates him anymore. Yesmen please him with reports of best army, best oil mining , best economy ( ok, 2nd best), everything best. So only sector such glorious ruler can better is religion. Yeah! Submit Kyiv to Russia and heavens door will surely open. I really hope there's separate bowl for putin as well as experienced nkvd team to do some "measures" to him after death. His spirituality and religiosity is total perversion of Christ, and as with every kgb utterance its 40/60 truth/lie. May he be condemned and anaphemized.

[@budyharianto8229]

Is there any comments about the statement of the rusian patriach Kirill about the culture war between orthodox (east) value in christianity against vague value from western liberal christianity such gay/lesbian married, that has no solution in western church at the current state....?..🤔

[@brendarobinson9072]

Listening from NZ 24 March. Discussions very relevant and helpful and will inform prayers for peace.

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

What can be more disgusting than pretending prayer of hypocrites! God will judge your deeds!

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

Is that diaspora priest talking about a new united church that will accept such things as gey marriage and all other godless deeds?

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

Extremely superficial and provocative discussion doesn't give credit to the participants

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

What a disgusting view of a lying man, rubbing his nose all the time! Bodylanguage is so obvious!

[@jamessheffield4173]

Alexander Nevsky The story of how a great Russian prince led a ragtag army to battle an invading force of Teutonic Knights.

[@janemorrow6672]

Is that why he’s not straight out flattening Kyiv?

[@sunnyside60]

I had a question: Do you believe that religion has been used, in such situations as now and ISIS, as an excuse to commit these atrocities, that the religion is twisted for such purposes or that people are genuinely so set in their religious beliefs that they truly think their actions are justified? Great conversation and helps bring awareness to the situation

[@leob3447]

The danger of religion has always been to believe without evidence or despite conflicting evidence, and that no matter what you see, the religion you believe in is the keeper of the ultimate truth.

[@stevenhogg1708]

In many parts of the world, where faith is central to peoples' lives, a very quick way for a power-hungry leader to gain a large following is to claim that the leader will protect the faith, and its followers, from attacks by 'the others' - non-believers or followers of another faith. It is a form of the standard fascist technique of identifying the 'not we', blaming them in a simplistic manner for complex difficulties and gaining popular support for discrimination, victimisation and worse. In those parts of the world were faith is not seen as being of this importance to national life, for example the UK, the same method is used often under the guise of nationalism. I believe the basic hypothesis of this week's Unbelievable is that Vladimir Putin is attempting to combine nationalism and faith, and presumably (I have just started watching) asking the question as to whether faith leaders are being complicit in his attempt.

[@stevenhogg1708]

@@leob3447 I think the religion that relies most heavily on a lack of evidence, or perhaps more correctly, pseudo-evidence - claims of a lack of a definite positive scientific proof is the same as a definite negative scientific proof - is the faith of atheism.

[@leob3447]

@@stevenhogg1708 Thanks, I needed that laugh today.

[@stephentuohy9000]

I believe religion is used as an excuse to expand power

[@МаринаКерн-й6г]

How about the sacred space of Israel?

[@ragnarlundin1579]

qite so ! great angle ! thank you ⛈️

[@synesthete23]

Great perspective - I find that what Fr. Cyril said about Western leaders not understanding Putin because they think he’s like them is very true. While I was hoping the sanctions would make him seriously reconsider his course, now I feel they would spur him even more in his misguided zeal.

[@artrico]

Chastisement begin

[@starbite1735]

I agree with Kirill.

[@RothanacYam]

Putin name by birth is Mikhail baptized in the Cathedral of St Michael Revelation 12 1And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. The War in Heaven 7And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. The Dragon Persecutes the Woman 13And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

[@shelleyhender8537]

Wonderful! A much needed perspective on the fallacy of doctrine that is helping to drive this insane war! I have learned a great deal over the past week about the philosophy that was adopted by the Russian people from a philosopher who was republished in the 1990s and became popular. I believe that is who your Ukrainian guest may have eluded to. It’s hard for us in the West to understand, as we do not think this way…most of us anyway! I have also been schooling myself about Putin, his ideology, and sick attacks he has inflicted on innocents since he was a child! I continually pray, and hope Christians worldwide will not forget this genocide and regime of terror! May we also recognize that we need to PREVENT this from happening ever again!!! May we ask God to inspire the politicians and policy makers to find the safest and best way to end this bloody, brutality conflict once and for all…SOON!!!! THANK YOU to your team and guests for discussing this very important topic! May God Bless You all…may Ukraine and the innocent people of this world be sheltered and protected by the mighty God we serve!

[@ARenewedmind]

Thank you for this very insightful discussion. I was asking the question from day one of this war - what is Putin's spirituality, seeing that he often condemns the "decadent West" and calls himself a Christian. Now I have my answer and it all makes sense and as always in such situations of historic impact, it is good to see what is unseen and only the Holy Spirit can open one's eyes and ears. I do believe though, that in Putin's case, it is the "religiosity and ritual" of Orthodox Church that distances many from the essence, namely the gospel of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom expansion. There is more emphasis in submitting to "church authority" than to TRUTH. The Apostles taught us that we must "obey God rather than man", no matter who that man is, if he is in deception, he cannot be obeyed, whether Putin or the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.

[@drummerboy737]

Lol whole lot of "obeying" us westerners have done

[@ARenewedmind]

@@drummerboy737 Westerners or Christians? I cannot comment on Westerners (as not all are Christians), but sadly yes, many Christians love their church denomination more than God

[@hugh9996]

Very interesting discussion. One thing missing in this though is the admittance that Putin is basically doing what perhaps every emperor has done since Constantine all the way up to the Tsars: i.e. defending or even expanding what they see to be their Christian religious / political jurisdiction (and of course Western Europe likewise has certainly not been free from wars of religion). Is it really strange and mystical metaphysics or is it better described as out of date? If he was acting 200 years ago he would be perhaps be Putin the Great, in the tradition of Peter and Catherine, who, I think, both conquered parts of Ukraine, and are held up to be heros. Due to the unique conditions of the West over the last few hundred years we now believe (theoretically anyway) that it is normal not to invade other countries, and indeed this is an incredible blessing we take for granted; we now therefore expect everyone to be on board with this view. Putin has been described as a lot of things, but perhaps "anachronistic" in terms of the evolution of Judeo-Christian values should be added to the list.

[@Eyesayah]

'Due to the unique conditions of the West over the last few hundred years we now believe (theoretically anyway) that it is normal not to invade other countries' Somehow, without intending it, media reports for a good many decades now have left me with the impression that the United States has projected its military power in not a few foreign countries. There might be a kind of amnesia that allows people not to bring that up. In the best of all possible worlds, wars would be necessary only for us.

[@consideringorthodoxy5495]

I do not wish to enrage or insult you, but may I point to the possibility that your perspective is influenced by “chronological snobbery” as described by CS Lewis.?

[@TexanEnglish1]

It seems odd that the “war baby” Padre is quite short in noting the support Hitler had from the Catholic Church...

[@drBrunoPessi]

Evidence?

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Officially ?

[@TexanEnglish1]

@@Listenerandlearner870 see my comment to Bruno. I don’t want to get off on a big tangent here- but, as a Christian, I note the historical religious motivations for war and aggression. Even now -right wing Christian “patriots” want the US to respond directly / bomb Russians.

[@Tzimiskes3506]

@@TexanEnglish1 Hitler was totally against the catholic church what do you mean? read history...

[@TexanEnglish1]

@@Tzimiskes3506 As a Christian it is painful to note that Protestant and Catholic support for Hitler was institutional -all the way down to community/pew, 1. Read my response to Bruno; the Vatican cut a deal with / Concordat in support of Hitler in 1933. 2. Hitler sent atheists to the ovens -along with unorthodox Christians. 3. In Mein Kampf -as well as most public speeches- Hitler spoke positively of Christianity, and Christian family values as central to his National Socialism/Nazism. References to these facts are easily available -in his public speeches, and Mein Kampf. 4. One notices that both white supremacy, fascism, and modern American nazism is directly connected to Modern American Right Wing Christian Nationalism. 5. From the Founding, through the Civil War -the Bible was used in support of white supremacy and slavery. Yours in Christ, M.

[@kensmith8152]

Putin is (w)holy crazy!