A Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam has announced it is splitting from the Moscow patriarchate, marking the first known instance of a Western-based church cutting ties over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The clergy of the Saint Nicholas of Myra parish stated that it is no longer possible to function within the Moscow patriarchate and provide a spiritually safe environment for their faithful, describing the decision as extremely painful and difficult.
The church has requested canonical dismissal from the Russian archbishop of the diocese of the Netherlands and aims to join the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, a rival Orthodox branch based in Istanbul. The move follows Patriarch Kirill's refusal to condemn the invasion and his remarks linking the war to Western gay pride parades, which have caused unease among clergy who view Ukraine as a brotherly nation.
More than 280 Russian Orthodox priests and church officials worldwide have signed an open letter opposing the invasion, warning of eternal torment for those giving murderous orders. The Amsterdam parish, one of the largest Russian Orthodox congregations in the Netherlands, had already stopped mentioning Patriarch Kirill in its liturgy and publicly distanced itself from his narrative, going against the official church policy of not using the words 'war' and 'invasion'.
Archbishop Elisey of the Netherlands visited the church after its initial criticism, warning that Moscow was watching their actions closely. The head of the parish reiterated the decision to break with Moscow in a video address, stating they had asked Kirill to stop the war but he did not. A Russian choir member expressed support for the split, saying it was the only way out once the war started.
The invasion has also been condemned by other Christian leaders, including Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Pope Francis. In 2018, the Russian Orthodox church cut ties with the Patriarchate of Constantinople after Bartholomew granted independence to the Ukrainian Orthodox church.
