The Russian Orthodox Church Justifies the War at Christmas: How the Church Became a Tool of Propaganda.

According to ТСН: The Putin regime again uses the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) to justify the war against Ukraine and the militarization of society at Christmas, which is celebrated according to the Julian calendar (January 7).

The Center for Countering Disinformation reported that Russian propaganda channels actively broadcast footage of Christmas services involving military personnel, including footage directly from the frontlines.

Military Priests and Their Rhetoric

The so-called 'military priests' of the ROC call for everyone to be together with the occupiers in the trenches.

'In addition to the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, high-ranking officials and representatives of the ROC participated in Christmas services on January 7, where the war was presented as a 'struggle against evil' and 'defense of faith',

— the release states.

Putin's and Patriarch Kirill's Statements

Patriarch Kirill hinted that Putin's critics are 'traitors to the homeland', emphasizing the importance of consensus around 'the most important security issues'. Those who 'fall outside' this consensus risk being labeled 'traitors to the homeland'.

Putin stated during the Christmas service that Russian occupiers are waging war in Ukraine 'by the Lord's commission', comparing them to Jesus and calling them 'performers of a holy task'.

Propaganda and Religious Rhetoric

In speeches by church hierarchs of the ROC, Russian aggression against Ukraine is disguised as a 'spiritual mission'. Religious lexicon such as 'holy peace', 'Russian world', and 'defense of Orthodoxy' is used, while Ukraine is accused of 'persecuting faith'.

'This is a typical practice of Russian propaganda — to mix religion, the army, and state ideology to legitimize violence and mobilize the population. While Christmas symbolizes peace and humanity in the world, in Russia it is used as a tool to justify killings and continue aggression',

— noted at the Center for Countering Disinformation.

It is also reported that an illegal school teaching children hostile propaganda operates on the territory of the Kyiv Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate 'Holosiivska Pustyn'. The Ministry of Education and the Security Service of Ukraine plan to take appropriate measures.

These events indicate how religion is used to support Russia's aggressive policy. Church institutions become platforms for propaganda, shaping public perception of the war. Cleansing school curricula of aggressive propaganda is an important step in protecting the consciousness of the younger generation and preserving peace in Ukraine.