Learn English from the News: Ukraine, Russia, United in Faith, Divided in Politics

Taken from: http://www.voanews.com/content/ukraine-russia-united-in-faith-divided-in-politics/1896858.html 

There is a strong historical religious connection between Russia and Ukraine. But what role is religion playing in the current conflict? In the run-up to Easter, Michael Eckels in Moscow reports for VOA.

• run-up : the period of time just before an important event

Watch the video and answer the following comprehension questions. Answers to follow tomorrow with key vocabulary.
1. At the beginning the clergy didn’t take part in the demonstrations. They joined in later.

A. true
B. false

2. What does “point out” mean?

A. to accuse
B. to indicate
C. to teach

3. The Russian clergy in the Ukraine is actively participating in recent events.

A. true
B. false

4. What does “to take a stance” mean?

A. to participate
B. to express an opinion

5. What has the Russian clergy not called for during Easter?

A. the truth
B. a truce

6. According the report, the Russian Orthodox Church is tightly linked to the Russian government.

A. True
B. False

7. According to Professor Zubov, what would happen if the Russian clergy in the Ukraine supported President Putin. 

A. the Ukranian affiliate of the church would separate.
B. the Ukranian branch of the church would kick the Russain clergy out the Ukraine.

8. What percent of orthodox believers in the Ukraine are Russian orthodox?

A. 40%
B. 14%

9. According to Zubov and Soldatov, the Russian Patriarch Kirill supports Putin in this conflict.

A. True
B. False

10. What do they use as proof to support this belief about Patriarch Kirill?

A. His decision to put his support for Putin’s speech in abeyance until a later time.
B. The patriarch not attending Putin’s speech

11. Does Ukranian orthodox priest Krotov believe Zubov and Soldatov’s theory about Kirill?

A. Yes
B. No

12. What do you think Ukranian priest Krotov means when he says Kirill is “hedging his bets politically?”

A. Kirill is avoiding giving an opinion in order to not look bad, whatever the outcome in the future.
B. Kirill is remaining silent because he doesn’t support Putin and is trying to avoid political trouble with the Kremlin.

13. Unlike Christmas, Easter for the western and orthodox churches always fall on the same date?

A. True
B. False