In times of conflict, the Church has historically been a beacon of hope, a moral compass guiding humanity toward peace, justice, and truth. Yet, when it comes to the war in Ukraine, the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has tragically failed both its own followers and the world. By aligning itself with the Kremlin’s narrative and remaining silent about the truth of the conflict, the Russian Orthodox Church has not only betrayed its Christian values but also missed a critical opportunity to stand up for peace and stop the needless suffering.

Christian Teachings and the Duty to Stand for Peace

At the heart of Christianity lies the message of love, peace, and compassion. Jesus Christ himself was a champion of peace, teaching his followers to love their enemies and resist the temptation of violence. Christian doctrine calls for the defense of the oppressed and the pursuit of justice. War, particularly when it involves the suffering of innocents, stands in direct opposition to these core teachings.

In Ukraine, millions of civilians have been displaced, thousands of lives lost, and entire cities reduced to rubble. The conflict has sown division, pain, and trauma on a scale that is hard to fathom. In this context, the silence of the Russian Orthodox Church is deafening. The church leadership’s unwillingness to openly condemn the war not only contradicts the teachings of Christ but also fails the faithful who look to the church for moral guidance.

The Role of the Russian Orthodox Church in Supporting the War Narrative

Rather than challenging the state and speaking out against the violence, the ROC’s leadership—particularly Patriarch Kirill of Moscow—has largely aligned itself with the Russian government’s position. Kirill has framed the war as a defense of Russian spiritual and moral values, portraying it as a battle against Western secularism and decadence. This rhetoric has, in many ways, justified the invasion to millions of Russian believers, making it easier for the government to wage war without facing significant internal resistance.

This position is not just a failure of moral courage; it is a betrayal of the church’s mission to be a voice for the voiceless and a defender of peace. By choosing nationalism over the gospel of Christ, the ROC has sacrificed its role as a spiritual authority and become an instrument of state propaganda.

The Power of the Church’s Voice

One of the most tragic aspects of this failure is the potential that the Russian Orthodox Church holds to make a difference. The ROC is deeply intertwined with Russian society, and its influence over millions of Russian Christians cannot be understated. If Patriarch Kirill, along with the entirety of the church’s clergy, were to speak out in one voice and condemn the war, it could have a profound impact.

History has shown that religious institutions can inspire change. The church has the unique ability to reach people’s hearts in ways that political rhetoric cannot. If the ROC stood against the war, it might give ordinary Russians the courage to question their government, to speak out, and to resist the atrocities being committed in their name. Silence, however, emboldens oppression. By not acknowledging the suffering, the Russian Orthodox Church has, in effect, turned its back on the very people it is meant to serve.

Speaking the Truth: A Moral Obligation

One of the gravest sins in this situation is the refusal to speak the truth. The church is not merely an institution for prayer and ritual; it is a body called to bear witness to the truth of God’s love and justice in the world. By refusing to acknowledge the atrocities committed in Ukraine, the church not only fails to live out the teachings of Christ but also turns a blind eye to the suffering of innocents.

This is where the Russian Orthodox Church’s failure becomes even more apparent. Truth-telling is a central element of Christian ethics. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the darkness, to expose wrongdoing, and to stand with the oppressed. Yet, the ROC has chosen to remain in the shadows, preferring the safety of silence over the risk of speaking out.

The refusal to acknowledge the truth of the war—that it is an unjust invasion causing untold suffering—renders the church complicit. The ROC’s silence sends a message that the war is acceptable, that the death and destruction are justified, and that Christian values can be set aside when they become inconvenient.

A Call for Courage and Action

Imagine if the Russian Orthodox Church, with its immense influence, called for an end to the war. Imagine if the church’s leadership and all of its priests, in unison, condemned the violence and called on Russian soldiers to lay down their arms. This kind of united, moral stand could be a turning point, not only for Russia but for the world.

If the people of Russia heard their spiritual leaders calling for peace and speaking the truth about the horrors of this war, it could inspire a movement. The Russian people, many of whom deeply respect the church, might find the courage to raise their voices, resist the lies of the government, and demand an end to the conflict. The church has the power to save lives, to end suffering, and to restore peace. But this can only happen if it chooses to act with moral clarity and courage.

Conclusion: The Church’s Responsibility to the World

The war in Ukraine is a defining moment for the Russian Orthodox Church. By failing to speak out against the violence, the church has not only betrayed its own followers but also the Christian values it claims to uphold. The silence of the ROC is a tragedy, not only for the people of Ukraine but also for the people of Russia, who are being led down a path of darkness by both their government and their church.

Now, more than ever, the Russian Orthodox Church must find its voice. It must condemn this war, speak the truth, and stand on the side of peace and justice. The world is watching, and the church’s silence is a failure that will not be forgotten. But there is still time to act—to bring light into this dark moment and to offer the hope of peace to a world in desperate need. Silence is complicity, but the truth can set us free.