The Russian Orthodox Church and its hybrid war against Ukraine

The Russian Orthodox Church and its hybrid war against Ukraine

Author: Mark McNamee July 17, 2025 Duration: 35:08
Did you know the head of the Russian Orthodox Church is a former KGB agent and multimillionaire who made his money in smuggling? Or that its priests routinely bless the missiles, drones, and weapons used against innocent Ukrainian civilians everyday? Even other Orthodox Church leaders, not to mention Pope Francis and Pope Leo, have condemned the Russian Orthodox Church's actions.  Hear how Russia has used the church as yet another tool of its imperialistic aggression.  Rostyslav Pavlenko is a Ukrainian politician, member of Ukrainian parliament, scientist and public figure. In 2015-2019, he was the coordinator of state efforts to assist the Ukrainian Orthodox in unification, recognition and obtaining Tomos (certificate) of Autocephaly (church independence). Successfully led negotiations with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, Primates and clergy of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, and Ukrainian church notables. Upon successful obtaining of the Tomos of Autocephaly, was decorated by the President Petro Poroshenko with the Order of Liberty. Listen in from the man who helped Ukraine achieve its independence from the Russian Orthodox Church and make it its own Orthodox Church as recognized by Constantinople.  To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

We are living through events that will define our century, and History in the Making: The War in Ukraine is an attempt to make sense of them as they unfold. Host Mark McNamee brings his deep knowledge of Eastern Europe to the fore, not just to recount headlines, but to untangle the complex historical, cultural, and political threads that led to this moment. This isn't a dry recitation of facts; it's a grounded exploration of how a conflict reshapes a nation's identity and the global order. Each episode moves between the sweeping strategic picture and the intimate, human stories of those living through the war, highlighting a profound resilience. You'll hear analysis that connects past empires to present-day battles, and conversations that reveal the personal cost and extraordinary fortitude within Ukraine. The goal of this podcast is to provide context and clarity, offering a nuanced perspective that goes beyond the news cycle. By focusing on the people, the history, and the on-the-ground reality, Mark creates a vital record of a world changing in real time. Tune in for a thoughtful, comprehensive guide to understanding not just what is happening, but why it matters for all of us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 79

History in the Making: The War in Ukraine
Podcast Episodes
The latest from the front - a conversation with a military expert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:56
What is the outlook for Russia's current offensive? Can the front be stabilized in the coming months? And if US support is stopped, what happens with Starlink and air defense? Will European support be adequate? Ukraine's…
He signed up to be a Storm Trooper at the front [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
Angel, soldier of the Ukraine Foreign Legion. Rest of his profile is unavailable in order to protect his and his family's identity. Storm troopers fulfill what are assuredly the most dangerous and difficult tasks of anyb…
A conversation with Dr. Radchenko on the ongoing talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:55
Please note that this episode was recorded on Saturday March 22, before ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia As we enter talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine (potentially among others), its worth stepping back and unders…