The Russian Orthodox Church no longer functions as a normal church and no longer professes the traditional Orthodox faith. It operates in tandem with the Russian state, promoting Moscow’s will on a global level.
This opinion was expressed by the co author of the book Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing. The Threat of the Russian Orthodox Church to European Security and Democracy, Irish journalist and political analyst Mikhal O’Kherli, in an interview with Kyiv Post.
According to O’Kherli, the Moscow Patriarchate possesses all the attributes of a Russian state body.
“The traditional symphony between church and state has been replaced by the voluntary integration of the Russian Orthodox Church as a form of soft power for Russian policy, culture, political processes, and ambitions. At times it even extends to active espionage against the West, which they describe as satanic,” the author of the book says.
He stresses that the West must have the courage to defend its convictions and find legislative and regulatory paths that balance freedom of religion and security.
“Freedom of religion is such an important ethic that it is enshrined in the West’s foundational documents. The West must have the courage to defend its convictions and find legislative and regulatory paths that balance freedom and security. Residence permits and visas for clergy are usually liberalized in order to give voice to the ethic of religious freedom in Europe and North America. If the West continues to recognize residence permits for clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church who have a documented history of preaching war, creating a ‘near abroad’ aimed at prioritizing Russia over their European homes, engaging in politics abroad, and espionage, then they should not enjoy the protection of freedom of religion,” the analyst believes.
He emphasizes the public subversive activities of the Russian Orthodox Church toward Europe.
“During last year’s elections in Moldova, the Russian Orthodox Church provided fully paid pilgrimages for Moldovan Orthodox clergy. Moldovan clergy were then given prepaid credit cards, in some cases worth more than a year’s salary, on the condition that the priests would agree to post Russian propaganda on their personal social media accounts as well as on parish websites. Clergy receive certain guarantees and privileges not in order to falsify European elections or to facilitate social cohesion but to preach the Gospel. Abuse of these rights must be stopped,” O’Kherli says.
In his opinion, the ever expanding portfolio of real estate owned by the Russian Orthodox Church in Europe raises concerns. It includes properties located opposite important government buildings, water infrastructure facilities, military bases, and even a NATO airport, which creates justified security concerns.
“Europe must be more vigilant. After all, building a church for quiet contemplation and worship outside residential areas and only 300 meters from a busy commercial and NATO runway, where jet engines drown out thought, indicates a threat rather than peace. I see no genuine religious benefit either for the Russian Orthodox Church or for the public in establishing intelligence observation points disguised as temples. We must call things by their proper names,” the author of the study believes.
