The protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine has now taken on a religious dimension as well. Both countries are predominantly Christian Orthodox, and in past Ukraine accepted Moscow’s spiritual guidance. Now, however, Ukraine’s Orthodox Church is edging towards independence.
Deutsche Welle: Russian-Ukrainian church split ‘rather dramatic’
People attend a mass prayer to express gratitude to the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate for granting approval to establish Ukraine's independent, or "autocephalous," church on Oct. 14 in Kyiv.
