PUTIN MESSIAH OR ANTICHRIST. The world is watching the vast political effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But most have no idea of the underlying religious conflict. In 2019, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church split off from the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and became independent.
This angered Putin because he, like the Tsars before him, holds considerable sway over ROC decisions. He cannot bear losing Ukraine politically and spiritually too. So, according to BBC-s religion producer Harry Farley, Putin “sees himself as a kind of messianic figure, a savior, to reunite Eastern Orthodox churches under Moscow.”
But Ukrainian Orthodox Bishop Yevstratiy Zoria sees Putin as quite the opposite. Putin “is Antichrist because everything he does…is totally against [the] Gospel, against God’s law.”
According to Baylor University Professor Perry Glanzer, Russia has “outlawed evangelism.” Moreover, it persecutes Protestants and dissenting Orthodox adherents alike. “In contrast to Russian political leadership,” Glanzer says, “prior to Russian interference Christian institutions had been thriving in Ukraine, a land that promoted religious freedom.”
Religious freedom vs. religious control
But on the other side of the border, Russia apparently promotes religious control. Glanzer alleges that “former communists largely control the Russian Orthodox Church. And they use this power to support a Russian version of Christian nationalism.”
So do Russians, who are 71% Orthodox, support the war against Ukrainians, who are 72% Orthodox? Orthodox priests on both sides are blessing their soldiers to fight against the other side. Yet 280+ Russian orthodox priests, and 400+ Russian evangelical ministers, have called on Russia to end its invasion. We must pray for truth, freedom and peace to emerge victorious on both sides of that border.
ETG articles related to Putin messiah or antichrist:
Statism Rises, Democracy Wanes on 5 Continents
Will Nicaragua Crackdown Hit Catholic Church Next?
EMP Aftermath Scenario -Fighting for Dwindling Resources
BPN articles related to Putin messiah or antichrist:
Ortegas’ Political Messianism Opposed by Catholic Church
Related sources for Putin messiah or antichrist:
Over 280 Russian Orthodox priests call for end to Russian invasion of Ukraine
Ukrainian bishop says Putin is the ‘Antichrist of our current time’: ‘Against God’s law’
