Russian Orthodox protest against Madonna

[Retro]

Russian Orthodox protesters drive stake through Madonna photo
Sep 04 2:13 PM US/Eastern

Around 100 Russian Orthodox believers protested in Moscow against a concert to be given by the US singer Madonna, symbolically driving a stake through a picture of the superstar.


Speaking to protesters, the head of a radical Orthodox group, Leonid Simonovich-Nikshich, declared that Madonna was "under the influence of the devil".

"We are proclaiming a new holy inquisition against those who struggle against God," said Simonovich-Nikshich, who heads the Union of Orthodox Gonfaloniers, a name that alludes to Medieval Italian republics.

Organisers earlier changed the date and location of Madonna's first Russian concert, part of her "Confessions" tour, citing security concerns.

The Moscow concert will now take place on September 12 at the Luzhniki Olympic complex.

The tour, which features a mock crucifixion scene, has also drawn protests elsewhere, including from the archbishop of Prague.

At the latest in what has been a series of protests in Moscow protesters symbolically drove a stake through a photograph of the singer and attempted to set light to it before police intervened.

Carrying effigies of Jesus and of Orthodox saints they prayed and chanted "Anathema on the organisers of abominations".

"We will do everything possible to prevent this concert going ahead," said Simonovich-Nikshich.

The Orthodox Church has urged Russians to boycott the concert, accusing Madonna of "exploiting Christian symbols", but all tickets were sold almost immediately after coming on sale.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/09/04/060904181311.agcq6zdu.html

 

[oanadobre]

I don't mean any disrespect for the church, but I have to say: YEAH! That will do it! That will teach Madonna and her fans!

 

[fouroclock]

The guys in the picture look more like the white supremacists that are spreading in Russia recently.

 

[PrinceOfCats]

A new holy inquisition? F--- that s---.

 

[BoscoBJGD]

I'm always amazed at how rational people with extreme religious beliefs are.

 

[Heroin_Chic]

Disregarding of my opinion about Madonna or the orthodox church: good to see that some people still stand up for their beliefs and opinions!

 

[Diorling]

I wonder if they'll really stop Madonna's show from going on.

They do look a little white supremacisy...Hmm...Religion and White Supremacy aren't mutually exclusive.

My third point is. WHY DO YOU CARE IF I STRUGGLE AGAINST GOD!?! How does it effect your pathetic little life?

 

[Zen]

Religious organizations are so uptight about everything these days....they
need to loosen up a bit....before that vein on their forehead pops.

 

[Spike413]

A protest of about 100, so cute.

And of all pictures to choose, they pick the one where she looked fab in Gucci.

But seriously, I can't stand religious fanatics.

 

[Trista]

I have to agree about the religious fanatics. While I do admire them for sticking up for their beliefs, they are trying to spread their beliefs on others which is a sin in my book. They are not going to stop the concert from happening.

 

[VainJane]

Eh, what else is new?

There are always a few crazy people complaining and protesting about something.

Then again, when you do a mock crucifiction scene (with yourself as Jesus) during your music concert, you should probably expect to get a few complaints

She has a right to crucify herself on stage, they have a right to protest. Everyone wins

 

[softgrey]

whatever....
i want to start a protest against the russian orthodox...


see how they like that!!......

 

[morgan38]

Yea these people seem pretty nutty...but god do I hate Madonna. She will do anthing no matter how offensive, lame, or pointless just to piss someone off for attention.

 

[Zen]

I'm always amazed at how rational people with extreme religious beliefs are.

you mean to say irrational?

 

[kanita]

In Holland, where she had a show 2 days ago, there were a group of religious activits not protesting against her, put praying that her soul will be saved and that Jesus will forgive her for her sins...

 

[Zen]

^ Lmao I don't know why.....but that seems so funny to me!

 

[Blodeuwedd]

I wonder if they'll really stop Madonna's show from going on.

They do look a little white supremacisy...Hmm...Religion and White Supremacy aren't mutually exclusive.

My third point is. WHY DO YOU CARE IF I STRUGGLE AGAINST GOD!?! How does it effect your pathetic little life?

I really don't get the whole reasoning either. Freedom of thought and religion, but I guess it's not something that can be found in a lot of places. How many people are they gonna go against? Half of the world's non-Christian population? Take to the extreme as well to non-Orthodox Christians? I find the debate between Protestants and Catholics odd as it is.

However, the Religion and White Supremacy aspect I find laughable - Christ was Jewish - does everyone forget that when they begin to hate?

 

[misssakura]

you mean to say irrational?

The power of sarcasm isn't always embraced over the internet it may seem

 

[Zen]

^ lol

 

[CelineChic]

Madonna is so old and washed up that she purposely had a "controversial" concert opening to get some press. It's very obvious.

Too bad it only worked for her in Russia.