Orthodox Priest Calls Russians Godless

Russian Orthodox Church
(Patriarchate of Moscow)

A Russian Orthodox priest and educator highlights some issues he sees:

Russia Society Dominated by ‘Baptized Godless,’ Mitrofanov Says

April 19, 2010

Paul GobleVienna, April 19 – At the end of the Soviet period, many Russians believed that theirs was an “Orthodox” people which simply lacked churches, but now, a leading Orthodox educator says, they recognize that this was an illusion and that Russian society consists of “baptized godless” people who have numerous “magical and pagan prejudices.” http://georgiandaily.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18258&Itemid=72

Of course, Europe, South America, Australia, Oceania, and North America are filled with people who were baptized into some form claiming Christianity, yet not practicing it. But this is the first time, I recall seeing this complaint about the Russian Orthodox.

Sadly, paganism and mysticism have long been problems amongst those claiming Eastern Orthodoxy (what they call “the victory of Orthodoxy” was when the Eastern Orthodox got Rome to fully and officially embrace idols and icons). But apparently, for at least one Orthodox priest, paganism amongst the Orthodox seems worse lately in Russia.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Some Similarities and Differences Between the Orthodox Church and the Living Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?
Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future Where do the Russians come from? What about those in the Ukraine? What is prophesied for Russia and its allies? What will they do to the Europeans that supported the Beast in the end?
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach?
What Did the Early Church Teach About Idols and Icons? What about the use of the cross, by the early Church?