Russia’s Wagner mercenary group is tied to Slavic neo-paganism, merging Norse symbols and rituals with nationalist sentiments and brutal sledgehammer executions.
From Nordic Symbols To Sledgehammer Executions: Inside The Wagner Group s Neo-Pagan Rituals menafn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from menafn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Russia is forcibly incorporating religious communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (of the Moscow Patriarchate) into the Russian Orthodox Church. Those priests who refuse to cooperate with the Russian authorities are replaced by seconded members from the Russian Orthodox Church.
A scholar in religious studies delves into the peculiar world of Rodnovery, a Russian neo-pagan movement that believes in Slavs’ civilising mission. Many in Wagner side with it.
The village parishioners’ decision to oust their priest reflects a broader push within Ukraine to reduce the influence of an Orthodox church that answers to Moscow.