Since the airing of another podcast interview with me a couple nights ago, I have received several inquiries regarding my statement of belief that Vladimir Putin is a good man of sincere Orthodox faith.
Authenticity in any individual is rare, and in my country (USA), purporting to be religious is often a means to an electoral end. Thus, such skepticism and inquiry as to why I believe Putin’s Christian Orthodoxy is genuine is understandable.
Although there is much more I could write regarding the research that brought me to this conclusion, I will address it briefly now in this piece since I have received several such inquiries.
This piece is in no way an exhaustive answer, but a quick response, more my stream of consciousness rather than a traditional essay or article I write.
Years ago, as I researched Russia, I was intrigued by Putin’s expression of faith. I wondered – could this be genuine? I approached it with wonder because I, as an American, have witnessed countless politicians at all levels of government play the religious card to exploit the thoughtless Americans. In those cases, the subsequent (or even current) stances, words, and behavior defied their public profession of faith.
Thus, with a healthy skepticism, I sought to learn more about the President of the Russian Federation. What I found was overwhelmingly convincing. So much so, his example, his witness, was the significant impetus leading me to explore the Russian Orthodox Church, to which I later converted (ROCOR in my country). His practice of faith and my simultaneous study of Russian society, are how I initially found Orthodoxy – the answer, the true Church, I had been seeking my entire life.
Russian society is greatly affected by the Russian Orthodox Church, influencing law and societal norms. The result? It is a country where flagrant evil is never glorified as it is in the United States.To have governance influenced by deep Orthodox faith is a good thing. It in no way means the establishment of a state religion, rather, it ensures that all can practice their faith, culture, and traditions, whatever they may be, in peace.
By their fruits ye shall know them
Cynicism is understandable among Americans, for we have all too often viewed politicians who use their profession of faith for political gain. However, after much research, I do not believe this is applicable to President Putin. On the contrary, I believe him to be a sincere Orthodox Christian whose faith informs what he does as President of the Russian Federation.
We are told in the Bible, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:16-20, KJV).
The primary evidence of his sincerity emanates from the entirety of his service to the Russian people as President and as Prime Minister. In over twenty years, his words have matched his actions.
Putin’s “fruits” for his country have been tremendously good. From saving it from the mismanagement and chaos that resulted from the fall of the Soviet Union, rejection of the ill-fated decisions of others before him to let the West begin to take hold of vital infrastructure, to his earnest (though ill-placed) good faith that the West also sought a new amicable relationship with Russia, his behavior demonstrates the Christian traits of patience, compassion, and strength. I would also add that, having observed his behavior in numerous encounters with people individually as well as politically, he evinces a humility rarely seen in any individual much less that of politicians. There are numerous visits to regions of Russia (including the poorest), his annual Q&A in which he fields questions live from across the country, the Valdai Club appearances, and many more examples of his interest and knowledge about all aspects of Russian life and the concerns of the people. His knowledge of the economy and industry across his vast nation is impressive.
His public expression of faith is evidenced by direct implementation of true Christian values in the policies he supports for Russia. He has repeatedly supported policies that coincide with his faith for the good of Russian society.
His secret baptism as an infant and his faith (his mother was an Orthodox Christian) became very important to him after several traumatic events affecting his family. (He has a book that provides a personal glimpse into the man and draws directly upon the transcripts of three journalists who conducted about 24 hours of interviews with him (and close acquaintances) over a period of a few days – it is an interesting book: First Person).
During one of those serious tragic events with his family, he shared that the baptismal cross his mother had given him years before, was saved/found by a firefighter from a fully-engulfed home. It was the cross his mother had given him, which he had blessed at the Lord’s Tomb while on a delegation to Israel. He placed the cross around his neck and has worn it ever since.
He encouraged and assisted in the restoration of many thousands of Orthodox churches (often from ruins or complete destruction) throughout Russia. New construction also flourishes in Moscow and throughout the country, due, in part, to his assistance. (Tens of thousands of churches are now present, as contrasted with only about 2,000 in the early 1990s.)
Actions match his words
As for his governance, (I have followed his and the Duma’s laws addressing the protection of society from destructive/sinful behavior lauded in the USA), and found it to be consistent with Orthodox Christian beliefs and values. (Far from a dictatorship, Russia operates with a healthy legislative body, reminiscent of a few decades ago in the US when the Congress actually debated on behalf of the people instead of for political advantage.)
This is reflected in many of his speeches and governmental actions. I will quote briefly only from one:
“However, they too realise it is impossible to defeat Russia on the battlefield and are conducting increasingly aggressive information attacks against us targeting primarily the younger generation. They never stop lying and distorting historical facts as they attack our culture, the Russian Orthodox Church and other traditional religious organizations in our country.
Look what they are doing to their own people. It is all about the destruction of the family, of cultural and national identity, perversion and abuse of children, including pedophilia, all of which are declared normal in their life. They are forcing the priests to bless same-sex marriages. Bless their hearts, let them do as they please. Here is what I would like to say in this regard. Adult people can do as they please. We in Russia have always seen it that way and always will: no one is going to intrude into other people’s private lives, and we are not going to do it, either.
But here is what I would like to tell them: look at the holy scripture and the main books of other world religions. They say it all, including that family is the union of a man and a woman, but these sacred texts are now being questioned. Reportedly, the Anglican Church is planning, just planning, to explore the idea of a gender-neutral god. What is there to say? Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Millions of people in the West realize that they are being led to a spiritual disaster. Frankly, the elite appear to have gone crazy, and it looks like there is no cure for that. But like I said, these are their problems, while we must protect our children, which we will do. We will protect our children from degradation and degeneration.” (V. Putin, Feb. 21, 2023, Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly).
The actions of the man match his words.
This is exactly as it should be. Good governance comes from one whose direction is in harmony with the Orthodox Christian faith.
A peacemaker
Consider the tons of free food and fertilizer given to Africa – such actions from Putin’s Russia are nothing new. Russia has given higher education, free of charge, to thousands of Africans for years, with the requirement only that they return to their home countries to help improve conditions for their people. Humanitarian provision to poor nations worldwide has been happening for years.
He respects the sovereignty of other nations (versus threatening nations, as the USA sadly does). Russia has sought peace, cooperation, and economic benefits for all parties involved (versus the colonialism of Western nations used against resourcefully rich, though poor countries). Russia’s peace agreements with the West were observed, while the West flagrantly rejected them.
Even in conflict, there is restraint shown despite the violations of international law used by the Ukrainians and their backers. It is a restraint which has never targeted civilians and tries to minimize death (unlike the years of continual shelling and murder of civilians by the Ukrainians.) This is Putin’s policy. Had he the evil heart of the American government and its wartime tactics, the land and people of the Ukraine would not likely even exist.
Putin has stressed, and history proves him correct – Russia is not the aggressor.
His faith is publicly seen several times throughout the year. And, then, there is the personal expression of faith only a few have been privy to. This was very powerful in my belief in his sincerity. Although his public expressions are beautiful and powerful, when I learned of his personal (virtually non-publicized) acts of faith, it was significant to me – the personal anecdotes from people regarding his showing up, unannounced because he was in the area privately, at distant small chapels in remote regions of the country to worship. Being in the area, seeking the Divine Liturgy, he will enter quietly after all are assembled and leave thereafter. This has amazed people – the stories from individuals and families of this happening are from across the country. There are also monks throughout the country who have shared of his visits to monasteries – without media coverage – to visit with them.
He has a small chapel next to his presidential office for daily prayer. And, as most know, President Putin has a strong relationship with Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church. What most do not know, he is also apparently very close to Archimandrite Tikhon, the Father Superior of Sretensky Monastery. This is a relationship he does not discuss. There is much speculation that this priest may be his confessor, his spiritual father, as he has been known to travel with him, as well. When asked about it, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Peskov, has not commented, referring to it as Putin’s personal life – which, of course it is. Still, this is insightful. Such personal consultation with a priest regularly is significant.
Western propaganda
I am, of course, aware of the misinformation and outright lies most of my fellow Americans believe about Putin. I have researched it thoroughly (and can rebut with facts such stories, be they allegations of deaths/poisonings/oppression of opposition figures, etc.). In fact, I performed an in-depth study into each of 11 such allegations a few years ago – all came up empty – contrary to the lying propaganda the USA/UK spreads. I haven’t the time to debunk all the ludicrous stories about Putin in this piece, as that would be a digression. But I will say, I have not heard a single allegation which I cannot dispute with facts (perhaps for another piece or on a talk show sometime). This includes the insignificant Navalny – whose rabid fascism (making videos laughing about murdering immigrants, but one example) made him nothing but a pipsqueak in Russia. Western propaganda has turned a man who apparently generally had about 2% national support as a presidential candidate into a fake hero, when the opinion of the vast majority of its 144 million population within Russia is the opposite. In a country of immense population, he was a trivial figure, with only a small percentage of national support (various polls, over the years, ranked him from 2 to 6% support) from those who seek the country to adopt depraved Western values. Even after his convictions, he was allowed to communicate with the media and on social media. He was never a significant opposition figure (of which there are several who challenge Putin’s policies at any given time both in politics and in the daily media there, but they do not receive similar Western media coverage).
The same, also, goes for the conflict in Ukraine (reference my essay: The Ukraine-Russia Conflict – the spiritual perspective). As it was in Crimea, the new regions pleaded for Russia’s protection to extricate them from the many years of evil persecution by the Western-installed Ukrainian government. Again, this piece is not the place to get into detail over such accusations; I share my conclusion after delving into those accusations over the years – any of you – if you know how to search can easily find the same.
The collective West knew they had failed to beguile Putin into accepting their control over his country at the famous 2007 Munich speech, where he identified their hegemonic agenda: see here and here. (It is not Russia who has 800-1000 military bases worldwide. It is not Russia who has invaded and installed leaders via proxy wars and violent coups worldwide.)
I ask, that Americans and others in the collective West, begin making the choice not to draw conclusions from your media and government’s propaganda – I’m sure most of you know of their long history of deception. Remain neutral and do research (easily available to anyone these days, although you must be thoughtful to circumvent the Western censorship).
The Orthodox faith is under attack (subversion from the CIA and State Dept. of the USA – more on that in another essay) because those controlled by a Satanic agenda to control the world see it as the only remaining threat to world domination. As such, a strong and righteous leader, as Putin, is their focus because he stands in the way while inspiring other nations to finally stand up to the American bully on the world stage. Most Americans have been fully indoctrinated by decades of lying propaganda about Russia. (The pathetic ignorance is evidenced by mindless repetition of the lies, without any evidence, with many Americans – and I’ve even heard elected representatives say this – still calling Russia “communist”.) This vast ignorance has resulted in a completely false view of Putin.
A good man
No other world leader (I am aware of) has consistently spoken of and made decisions from a professed faith as has Putin. He is a leader who loves his people and remembers all those who have sacrificed to defend it for decades. His actions within his country and his assistance to better other nations when asked of him communicate what is in his heart. This is why Putin has been demonized by the West – pure projection due to resentment that someone, in faith, does not bow to their hegemonic agenda.
Russia stands as an Orthodox witness, as does her president, revealing the power of the original church to all who have ears to hear.
I reiterate, this is just a stream of consciousness I wrote quickly in response to several inquiries about my perception of Putin shared in my recent interview.
As an Orthodox Christian, truth is my highest priority in life. Orthodoxy is our way of life – not a religion or an ideology. It is this, the beauty of Orthodoxy, I see evidenced in Vladimir Putin’s life. He is a good man and a righteous, wise and strong leader.
I share a few videos, personal glimpses of Vladimir Putin:
2. Putin Defender of the Faith – another short compilation of video clips
3. Putin leads the Russian Olympic Team in Singing the National Anthem
5. Blind Girl Interviews Vladimir Putin [ENG SUB]
6. Putin (vacation in the wilderness, fishing and more clips)
7. Господь, помоги президенту России – Lord, help the President of Russia
When sharing or excerpting from this essay, its website link must appear with it: http://americanorthodoxchristian.com/president-vladimir-putin-a-righteous-leader/
