The Conference of European Churches (CEC) contributed to the international conference on Orthodoxy in Imperial and Post-Imperial Context held at the University of Tartu, co-organised by the Volos Academy for Theological Studies and the Orthodox Church of Estonia.
CEC staff member Katerina Pekridou, Programme Officer for Theology and Studies, presented on Theology under Empire: Christian Complicity and Resistance in the Context of Russia’s War against Ukraine.
Pekridou examined how the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) leadership has provided theological arguments that support and legitimise Russia’s war against Ukraine, reinforcing the imperial ambitions of the Russian state. Drawing from sermons, official statements, and the 2024 Decree of the XXV World Russian People’s Council, she highlighted the misuse of apocalyptic and moral language portraying Russia as a defender of divine truth.
She observed that both political and religious leaderships employ spiritual imagery to frame the war as a civilisational and metaphysical struggle. “When religion is used to sanctify violence, it ceases to serve the Gospel of peace and becomes an instrument of domination,” Pekridou noted, calling attention to the moral consequences of such rhetoric.
At the same time, she recognised the courage of dissenting voices within and beyond the ROC—priests, theologians, and laypeople—who have spoken against the war, often at great personal risk. “The witness of those who resist this misuse of faith reminds us that true theology begins with repentance and a commitment to human dignity,” she said.
The presentation concluded by inviting churches and Christians to reject justifications for war, to support those who resist the instrumentalisation of religion, and to reaffirm peace and justice as essential Christian values.
CEC’s participation reflects its ongoing engagement in peacebuilding through its Pathways to Peace initiative, which promotes ecumenical dialogue among European churches and supports efforts for justice, peace, and reconciliation in Ukraine.