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Russian Orthodox Church in the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

**Russian Orthodox Church and Russia's Invasion of Ukraine**

The leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has been criticized for its stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with many accusing it of siding with official Moscow.

### Background

The ROC's dependence on the state is a long-standing issue that has contributed to its stance on the conflict. Patriarch Kirill's policy of "verticalization" of power within the church has also been cited as a factor in the church's support for Russia's actions. This policy aims to consolidate power and authority within the church, with the patriarch holding significant influence over the clergy.

### Response to the Invasion

Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Patriarch Kirill and other high-ranking hierarchs have repeatedly justified the war, spreading myths and narratives of Russian anti-Ukrainian propaganda. This has led to widespread criticism from state and religious figures around the world.

### International Condemnation

Many countries have imposed personal sanctions on Patriarch Kirill in response to his stance on the conflict. These include Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Lithuania, New Zealand, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Estonia.

### Split within the Clergy

The official position of the ROC has led to a split within the clergy, with some members opposing the church's stance on the war. In the first days of the invasion, part of the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine broke away from the Moscow Patriarchate, joining the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) instead.

### Consequences

The ROC's support for Russia's actions has had significant consequences for the church and its relationships with other Christian denominations. These include:

* The transfer of over 600 communities from the Moscow Patriarchate to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (EOU)
* The autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Latvia
* The autonomy of the Vilnius Metropolitan and all Lithuania
* The breakdown of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople