Orthodox Christianity

The Gagauz: 'Christian Turks' between two worlds

A brief history of the Gagauz, a Turkic, primarily Orthodox Christian people in the Balkans.

Which political thoughts inspire today’s Vladimir Putin?

Putin increasingly sounds like a defender of Russian ethnic nationalism guided by Orthodox Christianity. But what are his ideological roots, and how did he come to this point?

Could the Ukraine conflict spill over into Eastern Europe?

The ongoing fighting in Ukraine is making Bosnians and other Balkan nations feel the heat, as both world wars originated in Eastern Europe, where there has always been a hegemonic struggle between Russia and the Western bloc.

Who are Ukrainians?

Ukraine literally means “on the edge,” which explains why the country is caught between Russia and the West in a near prophetic vision.

Double-speak or maskirovka: Decoding Putin’s language on Ukraine attack

"Our plans are not to occupy Ukraine, we do not plan to impose ourselves on anyone," said Vladimir Putin after the Russian military strike on Ukraine. Is he saying one thing and meaning another?

Amid the threat of a Russian invasion, how capable is Ukraine’s military?

Ukraine’s military power has improved since Russian-backed rebels took control of the eastern part of the country in 2014 - but Russia still dwarfs it in comparison.

Why Ukraine matters to Russia so much

There are both geopolitical and historical reasons behind Moscow’s endless pressure on Kiev, which was the birthplace of the first Russian state in the 9th Century.

Why Russia supports Armenia against Azerbaijan in the Caucasus conflict

Moscow has played a significant role in propelling the conflict between the two neighbours by creating autonomous regions in Azerbaijan and drawing controversial borders.

Orthodox leaders urge protection of Christians in Mideast

The first major international summit of Orthodox church leaders in 1,200 years concludes on the Greek island of Crete with a joint statement calling for the protection of Christians in the Middle East.

Orthodox leaders hold first council meeting in 1,200 years

Around 170 leaders from 10 out of 14 Orthodox Christian churches gather in Crete to hold their first council meeting in over 1,200 years, albeit without the Russian church, which represents almost half of the 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide