Alexei Osipov

Alexei Ilyich Osipov ( born, born March 31, 1938) is a Russian Orthodox theologian, writer, and professor at the Moscow Theological Academy. His work focuses on Slavophile thought, Eastern Christian apologetics, and critiques of Roman Catholic theology. He regards Islam as the closest religion to Christianity.

Early life and education He was born in Belyov, Tula oblast, RSFSR, USSR.

After finishing school he refused to enter any university and in home conditions he undertook the study of theology under the guidance of hegumen Nikon (Vorobyov) for 3 years. In 1958, he entered the 4th (final) grade of Moscow Theological Seminary, having passed exams for the previous three years. Next year he entered Moscow Theological Academy which he finished in 1963. In 1985, he was given a doctorate in theology.

Career Since 1965 he has been a lecturer of basic theology, and since 1975 a professor.

Honours

2017 - Order of Friendship

Views Osipov opposed the canonization of the Romanovs, saying "[ Nicholas] suffered not for his Christian convictions but as a political figure".

Views on Islam Osipov posits that Islam is the religion most closely aligned with Сhristianity. According to Osipov: In essence, the Islamic faith represents an Old Testament religion, albeit one incorporating certain elements of Christianity. In this regard, Islam diverges significantly from Judaism, wherein Christ is viewed as a false messiah, while the messiah anticipated by the Jewish tradition is identified as the Antichrist within Christian eschatology. This highlights a stark theological contrast.

The contemporary conflict between Islam and Christianity is artificially instigated. As established in social psychology, public opinion can be easily manipulated against any given group. This mechanism is relatively straightforward and is currently being exploited by unscrupulous ideologists to inflame interreligious and ethnic conflicts. This phenomenon exemplifies the sinister principle of 'unleashing chaos to establish control. '

Sanctions On January 23, 2023, Osipov was sanctioned by the government of Ukraine as part of a sanctions package against numerous leaders of the Russian Orthodox Church. Ukrainska Pravda reported that Osipov had expressed public support for Russia during its invasion of Ukraine.