Vladimir Rozanskij

The Moscow Patriarchate has decided to include the memory of the patron saint of the Irish in its liturgical calendar. The decision is also perhaps to be seen in light of the desired Russian-American friendship, envisaged after the election of President Trump, or perhaps it is a consequence of the resumption of Catholic-Orthodox dialogue, followed the meeting of Patriarch Kirill with Pope Francis of last February 2016 in Cuba.

A poem ironizes on a recognition - rather unique - awarded by the Minister of Defence and not by the Geographical Society raises a protest Authority for complaints against the press.

A deputy of the president's party reports a miraculous liquid appeared in a conquered Crimea church by a bust of the last Tsar, canonized in 2000, and a mayor of tears from a statue of Lenin.

Everything had seemed set for a great deal that included the cancellation of sanctions against Russia, in exchange for Russian support in the fight against Islamic Terrorism. The new "cold war" 2.0 is not between America and Russia, or between East and West, but everyone against everyone.

Only 2% is willing to engage in ascetic practices of the 40 days. 30% try to limit alcohol consumption; 15% are willing to stop sexual relations; 19% to give up social media and online entertainment. Orthodox Lent requires a strict vegan diet: complete abstinence from all animal food. Belonging to Orthodoxy is seen as of socio-cultural and religious value.

The leaders of two hieratic religious traditions hugged in a bare "Soviet" atmosphere, sterilised from the presence of people, but with dignitaries, politicians and journalists. The Joint Declaration contains important points, and sets the stage for missionary work for the coming centuries. Putin overshadows the Syrian issue. Kirill wins over Uniatism and Ukraine. However, the real world will be the test of the agreement.

The meeting between the Pope and the Patriarch of Moscow Kirill has been eagerly desired for quite some time. Expected under John Paul II; hoped for with Benedict XVI, it has taken time to realize. Catholics and Orthodox face the same challenges of persecution and relativism. Orthodox nationalism, backed by Putin, causes some reticence. The Middle East crisis and risk of Russia’s isolation fosters collaboration.

The end of the Soviet Union led to idea that the West and democracy had won. However, the Ukrainian conflict proves otherwise. Although the pope's words on post-communist economic injustices are right, they have boosted Russians' belief that they are the "last bastion" against the ruin that Western capitalism will inevitably inflict. For them, their apocalyptic fate is inexorably tied to what will happen on the Ukrainian border.

Ongoing fighting between Ukrainian and rebel forces is compounded by divisions and clashes among Orthodox Christians and Churches tied to Moscow, Kyiv and Constantinople, as well as Greek and Latin Catholics loyal to the pope of Rome. In one of Europe's most Christian nations, such "metaphysical parochialism" sees bishops and priests bless their "own" militias and cannons.

The United States and European sanctions and Russian counter-sanctions damage the economy on both sides. The shortage of gas in Ukraine and in the pro-Russian areas will test ideological leanings. The signs of the end of globalization, with the growth of localism, the risk of the West’s demise and religious fundamentalism.

The NATO summit prepares to deploy weapons and military to the East-European border; Russia is isolated and increasingly allied with Asia and the non-West. The globalized era comes to an end with a return to divisions along military, economic and political lines which in reality are convenient to everyone. The Ukrainian question holds the destiny of the world.

Priests and faithful of the different Churches are attacked by pro-Russian or pro-Ukrainian groups. The Greek-catholic accused of fomenting Ukrainian separatism. The religious and political hegemonic aims of the Patriarchate and Moscow.