Orthodox War: History, Tradition, and the Christian Soldiers of Holy Rus'.

The article examines the intertwining of Orthodox Christianity and militarism in Russia, particularly through the lens of Patriarch Kirill's support for the Russian military amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It highlights a service led by Kirill on May 8, 2022, which commemorated both the Third Sunday of Easter and the anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, framing Russia's military actions as a defense of faith and homeland. The term "Christ-loving army" is explored as a historical concept that has been used to justify military actions throughout Russian history, suggesting that Kirill's rhetoric aligns with a long-standing tradition within the Orthodox Church that views soldiers as defenders of Christianity. The article argues that this tradition has shaped contemporary interpretations of the war in Ukraine, portraying it as a spiritual battle against perceived enemies of God. [Extracted from the article]