'Victory' or 'peace': Russian Orthodox believers question Church's war stance

France 24 ^ | 11 June 2026 | AFP

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Inside a majestic domed church at one of Russia's oldest monasteries, bearded priests in red-and-gold frocks recite prayers calling for "victory" in the four-year war against Ukraine.

But on the cobbled streets of the Pskov-Pechersky grounds -- close to the border with NATO and EU member Estonia -- some Orthodox pilgrims were more concerned with bringing the conflict to an end, as soon as possible.

"The Church prays for the soldiers. We pray for only one thing right now: we pray for peace," said Valentina, a 69-year-old pensioner.

Institutionally, the Russian Orthodox Church has stood full-square behind President Vladimir Putin since he launched Russia's offensive on Ukraine in 2022…

For believer Valentina, the war in Ukraine has left deep scars in Russian society.

"You can feel that there is no unity in society. Society is divided. Many people do not understand what is happening," she said.

Her only consolation is prayer, she said.

"We have nothing else left."

Yulia, a 45-year-old economist, prays that her son will not be called up to fight, and for "the war to end as soon as possible."

"The Church's position saddens me," said Arina, a 42-year-old Moscow psychologist who rarely attends services and no longer goes to confession.

"Now, when I look at a priest, the first thing I think is: I wonder if he supports the war or not," she said, adding that she had "immense respect" for the few who "condemn this war."

Galina, a 49-year-old teacher, said she had "even thought about converting to Catholicism."

Opinion polls point to growing fatigue with the war across Russian society.

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TOPICS: Orthodox Christian; Prayer; Religion & Politics
KEYWORDS: peace; prayer; proxywar; russia; ukraine; war; welfarewar

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In the monastery's flower-filled courtyard, Andrei, 49, was dressed head-to-toe in military camouflage and walking with a cane.

Wounded at the front last year and having spent several months in hospital, he also wants the conflict to end.