The Politicization of Orthodoxy and the War in Ukraine (w/ Dr. Cyril Hovorun)

At the time of filming (March 23rd) the war in Ukraine has waged for nearly a month. Our TV screens and news feeds are filled with horrifying images of senseless violence, leaving many of us wondering, "how could this happen?" Furthermore, I have been seeking answers to the question "what is motivating Putin?" In this video, I sit down with Archimandrite Dr. Cyril Hovorun, a Ukrainian Orthodox Priest and Scholar to discuss the politicization and weaponization of Orthodoxy in Russia. In so doing, Dr. Hovorun shares his vision for the "De-Putinization" of Orthodoxy in Russia: a process of separating theology and ideology, especially the concept of the "Russian World."

I bring this video with recognition of the severity of the issues at hand. As a Christian, I call for peace, and as an individual with political opinions, I thoroughly side with the people of Ukraine. I welcome discussion and disagreement in the comments. I ask that in all conversations on this topic we remember the human beings, on all sides, losing their lives in this conflict.

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About Gospel Simplicity:

Gospel Simplicity began as a YouTube channel in a Moody Bible Institute dorm. It was born out of the central conviction that the gospel is really good news, and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible. The channel has grown and changed over time, but that central conviction has never changed. Today, we make content around biblical and theological topics, often interacting with people from across the Christian tradition with the hope of seeking greater unity and introducing people to the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel, the good news about Jesus.

About the host:

Hey! My name is Austin, and I'm a 23 year old guy who’s passionate about the beautiful simplicity and transformative power of the gospel. I believe that the gospel, the good news about Jesus, is really good news, and I’m out to explore, unpack, and share that good news with as many people as possible. I'm a full blown Bible and Church History nerd that loves getting to dialogue with others about this, learning as much as I can, and then teaching whatever I can. I grew up around Frederick, MD where I eventually ended up working my first job at a church. They made the mistake of letting me try my hand at teaching, and instantly I fell in love. That set me on a path for further education, and I'm currently a student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, studying theology. On any given day you can find me with my nose in a book or a guitar in my hands. Want to get to know me more? Follow me and say hi on Instagram at: @austin.suggs

Video Stuff:

Camera: Sony a6300

LensSigma 16mm F1.4

Edited in FCPX

Music:

Bowmans Root - Isaac Joel

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