Islamic State targets Russian Orthodox Church head and Putin

Islamic State is taking aim at the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, as well as the Russian president Vladimir Putin in new propaganda posters alongside previous posters depicting the US and London as targets, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.

The new poster depicting the Russian spiritual and political leaders shows the pair in crosshairs, with the words 'BREAK THE CROSS' in English and 'soon, very soon' in both Arabic and Russian.

The poster has been released ahead of the Russian presidential elections on March 18, and comes after Islamic State claimed responsibility for the killing of five Orthodox women outside their church in Dagestan on Sunday, February 18.

Islamic state is also violently opposed to Russian support for the Syrian regime in that country's civil war.

Another poster being circulated among Islamist extremists shows an armed jihadist in front of an image of Big Ben and the British Parliament in London. According to the SITE Intelligence, another poster calls for militants to 'burn America'.

A previous image of Big Ben was revealed in November, showing the famous clock tower burning with a large crack across its side and an ISIS flag flying atop it, reported The Daily Mail. The message read: 'We will destroy your country, as you destroyed our country'.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.