by MCICMFebruary 5, 20258:52 pm

The Underground Church in Russia: Faith Amidst Persecution

💬 The intersection of politics, war, and religion creates a complex environment for church members in Russia, who face persecution and discrimination due to their beliefs. The government’s classification of the church as a terrorist organization has forced members to adapt and find new ways to connect and worship. Despite these challenges, the church remains a vital source of support and guidance, helping individuals navigate the uncertainties of life in a conflict zone. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, the church provides a refuge for those seeking solace and strength amidst chaos. The stories of bravery and sacrifice from church members offer a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith and the human spirit. 🌟

⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️:

00:00:00 – Church Outlawed in Russia: A Terrorist Organization?
00:03:35 – Mass Graves and Disappearances: The Dark Reality
00:07:14 – War Crimes and Political Oppression in Ukraine
00:11:02 – Casualties of War: The Human Cost in Ukraine
00:14:34 – Cyber Warfare: China’s Impact on Global Security
00:18:15 – Propaganda and Misinformation: The Russian Perspective
00:21:47 – Religious Schisms: The Church’s Role in Conflict
00:25:23 – Mafia and Religion: Unlikely Allies in Russia
00:29:09 – Conspiracy Theories: The Russian Psyche Explored
00:32:50 – Balkanization of Russia: A Future Prediction
00:36:28 – Population Decline: Russia’s Demographic Crisis
00:39:59 – Alcoholism and Nihilism: Russia’s Social Challenges
00:43:28 – Frozen River Baptism: A Unique Cultural Experience

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33Comments

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1

@billgiesbrecht59 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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The Russians may not know what's going on. But what makes you think we know any better?
2

@motiszm on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I served in Yekaterinburg, Russia from 2007-2009. Sad to hear how tough it's getting over there.
3

@douglasnielson8250 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Bankers love war. It’s very profitable. If you are smart you finance both sides.
4

@kylef.3554 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Jonah, careful about your line of thinking "If my family isn't directly affected, I am not okay with war" because:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller – prominent German pastor during WW2
5

@TB1123YT on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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You said shite😂 took my back to my mission.
6

@MattMorency on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Become a familyist!
7

@MrVigilant1 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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How do we know what is true? We don't unless we experience it ourselves. Everything else is belief. "Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost." – 2 Ne. 28:31
8

@wmgg17 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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You should have an episode on superstitious people on your missions. Such as people in Latin American countries thinking you will get the flu if you wash your hair on a rainy day.
9

@gwenynmel5682 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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2 words: Last Days
10

@TheBenJiles on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I want to offer some clarification and correction. The LDS Church is NOT listed as an "extremist" organization (such as the JWs). You can check their Ministry of Justice website to verify (as did I). Also, members of the LDS Church are able to openly meet on Sundays together. My wife and kids went there this summer and openly met for sacrament meetings every Sunday in the same building they were using since before the war and since before the 2016 Yarovaya Law which restricted missionary efforts. No presence of FSB agents.
However, the Church did have to rename itself legally to abide by those 2016 laws. So now it's the Religious Association of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Russia and it has legal names for each city in the country. However, nothing changed. Kinda like how Western fast food places were "kicked out" but all they did was rename themselves legally and rebrand.
11

@beauspendlove16 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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If they didn't take the route through the front door and came here braking laws they need to go back and I suggest doing it through all the right channels of imagination not crossing boarders under the cover of night. Its really simple it's not blurred or gray. Breaking laws is breaking laws and it's not our fault. It's their fault and the consequence is deportation. And maybe you won't be able to come back and that sucks but if your coming here to be a criminal you do things trying to get something for free
12

@douglasnielson8250 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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The church is viewed as suspect because the CIA is full of church members. The CIA ran the color revolution that led to the coup that put Zelensky in. What Russians went back to after communism was the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s a huge unification node in that country. The LDS church is viewed as an American church with ties to the CIA. In today’s Russia, it’s like trying to sell ham to an Orthodox Jew.
13

@jasonwright1676 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I respect Jonah's right to be an Anti-Lehi-Nephiesque pacifist, however as one who stepped up to answer the call to defend our freedoms and with a long line of ancestors who did the same, by what right do you get to call us murders? That is an insult and a stain to the honor of those who paid the ultimate price or served honorably by doing so.
Here's how the Church views it:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges the complexities of war and military service, including the reality that soldiers may be required to kill in combat. The Church does not consider service members who kill in the line of duty to be guilty of sin, as long as they are acting in accordance with their duty, lawfully, and not with malice.
Several key teachings and scriptures provide insight into the Church’s stance:
Book of Mormon Example – The Book of Mormon describes righteous individuals, such as Captain Moroni and the Nephite soldiers, who defended their families and nation against aggressors and teaches that war is sometimes necessary for protection but should not be undertaken lightly (Alma 43:45-47).
Doctrine & Covenants 98:32-36 – The Lord instructs His people to "renounce war and proclaim peace," but He also acknowledges the right of self-defense when necessary.
Leaders of the Church have emphasized that military service is honorable when performed with integrity. President Gordon B. Hinckley, for example, expressed gratitude for those who serve their countries in times of war while acknowledging the sorrow that comes from conflict.
Moral Responsibility – While the Church does not impose guilt on those who lawfully kill in war, it teaches that all should strive for peace, and those who serve in combat should seek spiritual healing if they struggle with the emotional and psychological weight of taking lives.
Ultimately judgment belongs to God and I have no doubt that the evil men who caused that I and many of my bothers in arms who had to kill will face the eternal consequences of their actions.
14

@shibainferno on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Jonah is the most based field reporter the USA has right now
15

@MarySmilodon on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I taught English in Voronezh in 2016, such a great experience and I love hearing about Jonah’s mission!
16

@brianfernandez7456 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Killing in war isn't murder. It's weird that you confuse those two things.
17

@saycheeez7926 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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This was Awesome!!
18

@alicewongham3541 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Always love listening about your experiences in Russia and your view of things, Jonah! Thanks for a great conversation as usual, Cardon!
19

@lifelibertypursuit5191 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Was Captain Moroni based?
20

@establishingzion688 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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44:00 – ok, just one more comment. My sister served in St Petersburg, I served in Ukraine, we both are just heartbroken and devastated at this war which is ravaging both sides. I couldn't agree more with Jonah and his thoughts on this episode. Thanks again for sharing!
21

@norynemoss6331 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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When someone has a reason like war breaking out I am sure they are granted amnesty.
22

@establishingzion688 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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41:00 – Communism was way worse than just killing people. It destroyed generations of faith in God and millions of souls. It's incredible what the Gospel of Jesus Christ did for the people who accepted it. Amazing people there.
23

@roseanneconforto9890 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Well, the part of them being sold into slavery is true about all the kids coming over the border, as well as the castration due to Biden's transgender policies
24

@michaelhutchings6602 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Reminder Russia always has been and always will be an authoritarian depressing nation squandering their potential on nationalistic wars and drivel.
25

@saintguymoski364 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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How in the world are we considered a terrorist organization…that’s nuts.
26

@establishingzion688 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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29:00– I can confirm that the mafia LOVED the church! They had their hands in every business and the church and missionaries brought lots of money into the country. Story for another time, I had a run in with some mafia my first area when we were tracking. Crazy place to serve!
27

@andyyoung3905 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Appreciated Jonah’s experience this episode.
28

@suem6004 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I was in the Soviet Union first with BYU exchange then later before the fall of the union. So, if you want to hear stories from those times, let me know.
29

@andyyoung3905 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Ukraine lays down their arms, they loose their country tomorrow. Russia lays down their arms, and they just have less dead young men and keep their country. That’s all you need to know. Every inch the Russians take is an inch where the Church will be persecuted.
30

@mormonbear4050 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I served in the DR 2006-08. We got the same thing told to us. That we were CIA.
31

@establishingzion688 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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I'm glad you discussed this topic, Jonah and Cardon. I served in Donetsk Ukraine mission (Russian speaking because everyone was from Russian decent) from 2003-2005. I served in the very areas that has had the worst fighting and devastation: Donetsk, Gorlovka, Dnepr, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Lugansk. As far as I know, no one that I knew is still there have all fled. I have a good friend who was already in the Ukraine army and I have no idea what has happened to him. I remember when the Kiev temple was dedicated, we were talking about how much the adversary must have hated that since he has had control over those "north countries" for so long. The Lord's kingdom gained a huge foothold with that temple there. Now we can see what he has done to try and thwart the Lord's work. That area, former Soviet Union countries, is really special.

Ukraine is so full of corruption, has been for a long time. I wonder how much longer these horrible wars will continue, but I know the Lord is mindful of these countries, Ukraine, Russia and all of them in that area.
32

@beardphysics on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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Bet it's outlawed in ukraine
33

@bartonbagnes4605 on February 5, 2025 at 8:52 pm
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A sad situation for sure.😞