A pair of Russian priests have spoken out against Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine despite the risk of imprisonment or, worse, outrage over the Russian Church. The church supported the “special operation” of the state in Ukraine. Moscow’s Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, has remained a staunch supporter of Putin’s war, saying God is on Russia’s side, even when Russian soldiers are reportedly committing atrocities against atrocities. RUSSIA INVASES UKRAINE: LIVE UPDATES But some priests have begun to speak openly despite the incredible danger they face in doing so. Father Georgy Edelshtein, 89, spoke to AFP, expressing his frustration with the state and claiming he was a “bad priest”. “I have never been against all wars, but I have always been against any aggressive land grab war,” Edelstein said. He called for Ukraine’s independence and the right to “build its own state as it sees fit.” Only a few priests have found the voice to speak out against the war, and therefore to speak out against Cyril. The patriarch called on the Russians to “gather” around the state and accused the “enemies” of trying to destroy the historic unity between Russia and Ukraine. The church has a special interest in the Ukraine war: the Russian Orthodox Church has been given the right to ordain the top bishop of Kiev – effectively taking control of the church there for almost 300 years. GERMANY TO SUPPORT RUSSIAN OIL EMBARGO AFTER SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION REDUCTION: REPORT The Ecumenical Patriarch – head of the Orthodox Churches – claimed that the power was temporary and in 2019 officially recognized the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as independent from the Patriarch of Moscow. Kirill strongly opposed the move as “illegal”. Many monasteries and parishes in Ukraine remain under the jurisdiction of Cyril, even if the parishioners are unaware of the fact. But Edelshtein and father Ioann Burdin opposed their leader, saying “the blood of the people of Ukraine will remain in the hands of not only the rulers of Russia but also the soldiers who carry out this order. Their blood is in their hands. of each of us who… just remain silent “. RUSSIA’S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE IS AMERICA’S FIRST CHALLENGE The priests wrote the comments in a letter posted on the internet, which has since been deleted, the AFP news agency reported. “For me, the ‘Do Not Kill’ command is unconditional,” Burdin, 50, explained, adding that opposition carries the risk of sanctions and prosecution. He remains active while Edelshtein has retired. CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION “If one commits a personal sin, one rebels (against God), not the whole Church with him,” Bourdain said. “If I am in the Church but I censor myself as I speak, if I keep silent that sin is sin and that bloodshed is unacceptable, then gradually, without realizing it, I will cease to be a pastor.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.
