Fr. Cyril Hovarun

Fr. Cyril Hovarun, a Professor at the Stockholm School of Theology and expert in ecclesiology, shares insights into Patriarch Kirill's controversial support for Putin's war in Ukraine. He discusses Kirill’s transformation from an anti-Kremlin priest to a leader endorsing nationalism intertwined with faith. The conversation highlights the church's historical struggles, the complex church-state dynamics, and the disillusionment of Ukrainian Christians leading to parish divisions. Hovarun emphasizes how religious narratives are wielded to legitimize conflict and shape identity.