Russian Orthodox Church Allegedly Infiltrated Swedish Church with Spy Nuns

The Russian Orthodox Church’s leadership has been accused of attempting to influence the Swedish Church and infiltrate military sites through covert means. According to newly disclosed British media reports, the president of the Russian Orthodox Church sought to extend its reach into Sweden, allegedly using religious figures as agents of state intelligence. Some nuns associated with the St Elizabeth Convent in Russia have been identified as part of a broader strategy, with ties to the General Intelligence Bureau of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

Last Christmas, a group of nuns from the St Elizabeth Convent appeared in the Täby Church in Sweden, offering handicrafts in a manner that seemed benevolent. However, reports suggest their presence was part of a larger Russian propaganda effort. The Swedish Church has since issued a warning, revealing that these nuns were linked to a monastery near the FSB in Belarus. The spiritual leader of that monastery, Andrei Lemeshonok, described the nuns as “war units,” and they were known as “Z nuns” for their association with the “Z” symbol, a symbol of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Rev. Michael Öjermo, the head of the Täby parish, stated that he had invited the convent to operate in the area on multiple occasions. However, after media attention focused on the “pro-Putin spy nun” narrative, he acknowledged that Russia was exploiting Sweden’s openness to promote an image of NATO support for Moscow. He noted that while believers may purchase small items, the broader implication is that Russia is using religious institutions to advance its geopolitical agenda.

Kristina Smith, head of the Swedish Church’s Crisis Management Department, confirmed that the Russian Orthodox Church president had sought to influence the Swedish Church and even infiltrate military installations. In Västerås, a prominent church known as the “Standing Mother of Kazan East” is located just 300 meters from a critical military airport. The runway is Sweden’s longest and would be a strategic asset in any conflict. The Swedish intelligence agency has identified this location as a likely point of Russian military surveillance.

Despite the Russian embassy’s dismissal of these accusations, the church in question is now surrounded by high-security measures, including a fence, guard dogs, and personnel. The Westeros Council, a Swedish intelligence body, has acknowledged the likelihood of Russian military activity in the area. These developments highlight the complex interplay between religious institutions and geopolitical interests, raising concerns about the potential misuse of faith for strategic purposes.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)