Russian Orthodox Church Linked to Neo-Nazi Conference in St. Petersburg

The Russian Orthodox Church has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that far-right and neo-Nazi leaders from across Europe and Latin America gathered in St. Petersburg under its auspices. The event, held in September 2025, marked the launch of the International Sovereigntist League (ISL) Paladins, a movement that openly advocates for “white Christian values” and asserts that “White Christians cannot coexist with non-whites.” The ISL Paladins claim to defend “truth, faith, dedication,” and to protect their nations “till death.”

What set this gathering apart was its religious endorsement. The event was preceded by a large procession led by Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. This procession reportedly drew 60,000 participants and included Tsargrad activists, an Orthodox-fundamentalist network that promotes imperial, anti-Western ideology and supports pro-Russian extremist operations. The involvement of the Russian Orthodox Church in such a gathering has raised questions about the alignment of its teachings with the far-right agenda.

The conference was opened by Konstantin Malofeev, known as the “Orthodox Oligarch” and a close ally of the Kremlin, alongside Alexander Dugin, a prominent ultranationalist ideologue. Malofeev heads Tsargrad, an organization that funds pro-Russian extremist activities and promotes anti-Western sentiments. Fifty delegates from 12 countries attended the event, representing various extremist organizations, according to open-source reporting.

ISL Paladins pledged to combat what they describe as “Єsatanic, misanthropic, transhumanist, LGBTQ propaganda,” and to coordinate far-right actions globally, including mass demonstrations in their home countries. A Russian Orthodox cleric attended the conference in person, while a Spanish Catholic priest and a South African Protestant pastor sent video blessings, indicating a cross-denominational support for the event.

Following the conference, the ISL launched a Telegram channel that has since been filled with racist posts. These posts include claims that the children of refugees are “future criminals” and “a burden,” as well as opposition to LGBTQ+ human rights. The content of the channel reflects the movement’s stated goals of defending “white Christian children” and resisting what it perceives as Western influence.

The Russian Orthodox Church’s association with such a gathering has sparked debate about the role of religious institutions in supporting extremist ideologies. While the Church has historically emphasized peace and humility, its involvement in this event highlights the complex relationship between religious leadership and far-right movements. As the Church continues to navigate its public image, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning religious teachings with the values of justice, mercy, and neighbor-love, as emphasized in Micah 6:8.

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