About this episode
The episode explores the religious aspects of the war in Ukraine, framing it as a 'Holy War' and discussing its implications for Orthodox churches and other religious groups.
On the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Dr Yuri Stoyanov – of SOAS university in London – joins Damian Thompson to reflect on the religious dimensions of the war once again. The theological gulf between Russia and Ukraine is perhaps comparable to the political one and, for now, seems insurmountable, with the war increasingly being framed in some spheres as a 'Holy War'. You have to stretch back to the First World War to find a war within Christendom framed in these terms, but what effect is this having on the family of Orthodox churches across Europe and the Middle East? And how can we better understand this strand of Russian 'jihadism'? Plus, what has the impact of the Papal succession been? And, how have other religious groups – such an estimated 2 million Buddhists – reacted in Russia? Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
People in this episode
Host: Damian Thompson
Guest: Dr Yuri Stoyanov
Topics covered
- religious dimensions of war
- Holy War
- Orthodox churches
- Russian jihadism
- Papal succession
- Buddhists in Russia
Keywords
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Holy War
- Orthodox churches
- jihadism
- Papal succession
- Buddhists
- religion
- war
- society
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: SOAS university
Places: Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Middle East
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