Why Putin Hates Protestants (And Any Denominations He Can’t Control)

[Michie]

While the vast majority of Ukrainians are Christians, with Ukrainian Orthodoxy as the predominant denomination, the country is home to a variety of faiths. Despite their differences, all have suffered in
the war and face potential persecution under Russian occupation. Ukraine’s religious demographics reveal that 62.7% identify as Christian Orthodox, 10.2% as Greek Catholic (Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, UGCC), 3.7% as Protestant, and 1.9% as Roman Catholic.

The Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church, blending Byzantine rites with Catholicism, helps distinguish Ukrainians from Russians, countering Vladimir Putin’s claims that Ukraine is Russia. The Church has been pivotal in supporting both civilians and soldiers during the conflict. Military chaplains provide sacraments and spiritual support to soldiers, while nuns and relief groups offer housing and humanitarian aid to displaced people. Priests and scholars advocate for Ukrainian independence, making the Church a key pillar of strength and resilience amid the crisis.

Catholic religious orders have also been vital in delivering aid, ministering to war-torn communities, and offering spiritual support. Many priests and sisters remain in dangerous areas, distributing supplies, sheltering refugees, and keeping hope alive. Dominican friars have informed the outside world of the suffering in Ukraine, writing about their efforts to sustain church life amid the devastation. Meanwhile, members of the Benedictine and Salesian orders have provided shelter and emergency provisions to those in need.

Continued below.

Why Putin Hates Protestants (And Any Denominations He Can’t Control) - Providence

Though Putin postures as a defender of Christendom, the truth is that he only cares for own Russian Orthodox Church while persecuting all other denominations

providencemag.com

 

[RileyG]

May God have mercy upon him and all the Russian and Ukrainian faithful.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

The only people being persecuted are the canonical, legitimate Orthodox Christians in Ukraine persecuted by Zelensky. Old ladies and clergy tear-gassed during Vespers and dragged out of the church, bishops publicly beaten and their headgear ripped off and thrown, Kiev Caves monastery persecuted and monks forced out, bishops and priests languishing in prison, churches shuttered, and a fake new Ukrainian pseudo-Orthodox “church” that Mike Pompeo, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Zelensky have cooked up with two defrocked heretics in charge. I call boo hoo to the notion that Putin or Russia is persecuting anyone.

 

[mindlight]

Report: 500 Ukrainian Churches and Religious Sites Damaged by Russian Military - Christianity Today

One out of three destroyed or looted buildings tallied by Institute for Religious Freedom belong to evangelicals, accused of being “American spies.”

www.christianitytoday.com

Seems like Putin does not like churches that affirm Ukrainian national identity by speaking Ukrainian or failing to acknowledge Moscow and of course conservative evangelicals because they speak the truth and cannot be controlled by anyone.

 

[Lukaris]

Russian Orthodox priest, Fr John Burdin, an opponent of the war on Ukraine has kept a delicate balance in his faith expression during trying times. He has kept an extensive blog since the war broke out. He more often speaks of faith matters and life more than the war but his witness from within Russia will probably be valuable history of this situation.

A recent stance from Fr Ioann ( John):

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/banned-russian-priest-stands-by-condemnation-brother-killing-brother-ukraine-2024-09-24/

His blog which translates to English:

МАРАН АФА Блог Иоанна Бурдина

Блог Иоанна Бурдина Поддержать канал и автора можно лайком или донатом на карту Сбербанка 5484774000660567 (Виктор Валерьевич Бурдин)

t.me

 

[Simonides]

The only people being persecuted are the canonical, legitimate Orthodox Christians in Ukraine persecuted by Zelensky. Old ladies and clergy tear-gassed during Vespers and dragged out of the church, bishops publicly beaten and their headgear ripped off and thrown, Kiev Caves monastery persecuted and monks forced out, bishops and priests languishing in prison, churches shuttered, and a fake new Ukrainian pseudo-Orthodox “church” that Mike Pompeo, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Zelensky have cooked up with two defrocked heretics in charge. I call boo hoo to the notion that Putin or Russia is persecuting anyone.

Sad but true.
And easily verifiable.

 

[Simonides]

"Why Putin hates..."
I have no need to read any further. Hate is the favorite word of propagandists, and the chief accusation of those who possess no real argument.
If I disagree with the murder of innocent women and children in Gaza being perpetrated by the Zionist occupiers, I must hate Jews. There can be no other option. If I stayed home on selection day and prayed instead of casting a vote for evil (lesser or greater matters not to me), then I must hate Trump. And on and on it goes. Ukraine is full of Nazis btw, and for darn good reason.

The Holodomor, Ukraine’s Great Famine

A pretty fair article that conveniently leaves out one minor detail. Who were the Bolsheviks?

 

[RileyG]

Russian Orthodox priest, Fr John Burdin, an opponent of the war on Ukraine has kept a delicate balance in his faith expression during trying times. He has kept an extensive blog since the war broke out. He more often speaks of faith matters and life more than the war but his witness from within Russia will probably be valuable history of this situation.

A recent stance from Fr Ioann ( John):

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/banned-russian-priest-stands-by-condemnation-brother-killing-brother-ukraine-2024-09-24/

His blog which translates to English:

МАРАН АФА Блог Иоанна Бурдина

Блог Иоанна Бурдина Поддержать канал и автора можно лайком или донатом на карту Сбербанка 5484774000660567 (Виктор Валерьевич Бурдин)

t.me

Is he allowed to criticize Putin in Russia? I'm ignorant of how Russia works as a country and if there is much freedom of speech.

 

[RileyG]

The only people being persecuted are the canonical, legitimate Orthodox Christians in Ukraine persecuted by Zelensky. Old ladies and clergy tear-gassed during Vespers and dragged out of the church, bishops publicly beaten and their headgear ripped off and thrown, Kiev Caves monastery persecuted and monks forced out, bishops and priests languishing in prison, churches shuttered, and a fake new Ukrainian pseudo-Orthodox “church” that Mike Pompeo, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Zelensky have cooked up with two defrocked heretics in charge. I call boo hoo to the notion that Putin or Russia is persecuting anyone.

You consider Patriarch Bartholomew to be one of the greatest spiritual leaders and one of the most important men in the Orthodox Church, correct? Since he is one of the top leaders of the worldwide EO Church? Forgive me, my ignorance.

 

[Lukaris]

Is he allowed to criticize Putin in Russia? I'm ignorant of how Russia works as a country and if there is much freedom of speech.

He walks a fine line and will address an issue and broad leadership rather than direct individuals.

 

[RileyG]

He walks a fine line and will address an issue and broad leadership rather than direct individuals.

Ah, I see.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

You consider Patriarch Bartholomew to be one of the greatest spiritual leaders and one of the most important men in the Orthodox Church, correct? Since he is one of the top leaders of the worldwide EO Church? Forgive me, my ignorance.

No, I do not. I believe he’s a heretic and I know many clergy who agree.

 

[prodromos]

No, I do not. I believe he’s a heretic and I know many clergy who agree.

I personally wouldn't go so far as calling him a heretic, but we have suffered many bad Patriarchs throughout the history of the Church, and I don't believe he will be remembered as one of the good ones.

There is still time though. He may repent.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I personally wouldn't go so far as calling him a heretic, but we have suffered many bad Patriarchs throughout the history of the Church, and I don't believe he will be remembered as one of the good ones.

There is still time though. He may repent.

He’s a piece of work. He’s caused great damage to the Church in so many different ways. While I know he could respect, my gut says he won’t. He definitely needs prayers….big time. The Greek Church is a mess. I thank God I’m Serbian!!!

 

[prodromos]

I thank God I’m Serbian!!!

We have been slowly transitioning to ROCOR, but our former spiritual Father who has now retired to a monastery in Greece, is one of many who have been warning their spiritual children about HH Bartholomew.

 

[chevyontheriver]

Ukraine’s religious demographics reveal that 62.7% identify as Christian Orthodox, 10.2% as Greek Catholic (Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, UGCC), 3.7% as Protestant, and 1.9% as Roman Catholic.

The religious demographics of the Ukraine were vastly different before Joe Stalin manhandled the country, starving millions and forcing conversions of those who didn't die by starvation.

 

[RileyG]

He’s a piece of work. He’s caused great damage to the Church in so many different ways. While I know he could respect, my gut says he won’t. He definitely needs prayers….big time. The Greek Church is a mess. I thank God I’m Serbian!!!

God bless you all.

 

[RileyG]

No, I do not. I believe he’s a heretic and I know many clergy who agree.

Ok. I know almost nothing about him. May God bless the Greek faithful and keep them under his care and protection, may Our Lady wrap all of Greece under her mantle. Amen.