Graffiti reads "Die Heathens" image courtesy of Cultus de Religion Romanum |
Alas, the Ukrainian pagans have not always been victims of mob violence. Several strains of Ukrainian neopaganism combine a virulent Ukrainian nationalism with an equally virulent hatred of Christianity, Judaism and any other "foreign" religion which has poisoned their Slavic holy land. These movements have become popular among some Ukrainian ultra-nationalists who see them as a way to strengthen and purify the Ukrainian identity and collective soul. In August 2007 a gang of these ultra-nationalist Pagans (along with some swastika-wearing skinheads) attacked a group of Orthodox worshippers near the ruins of a 13th century church in Desyatynna.
May all these insults be avenged, and may this land be blighted until its crimes have been expiated in blood. May those who have chosen ignorance be forever benighted; may those who have chosen hatred be eternally bound in their fury; may those who have made war against the innocent find that peace ever eludes them. May those who seek healing find solace; may those who seek wisdom find truth; may the prayers of those who love and honor their Gods ring eternally through the land and through the temples built atop the ashes of their enemies.