A notorious cult leader known for extreme abuse and extravagant displays of wealth.
In the early 2000s, a controversial religious group emerged in Russia, led by a charismatic figure known as “God Kuzya.” Born Andrey Yuryevich Popov in 1977 in Dolgoprudny, Moscow Oblast, this visually impaired individual would go on to create one of the most notorious cults in recent Russian history.
Popov’s spiritual journey began in the late 1990s when he associated himself with the Russian Orthodox Church. However, he soon developed his own unique blend of religious teachings, combining elements of Orthodox Christianity, paganism, and New Age spirituality. It was during this time that he adopted the name “God Kuzya,” inspired by his deceased parrot.
As his following grew, Popov made increasingly grandiose claims about his divine nature. He asserted that he had created Christ and surpassed his deeds, claiming to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, the Russian saint Sergius of Radonezh, 19th-century occultist Yelena Blavatskaya, and even the Archangel Gabriel. These bold proclamations attracted a diverse group of followers, many of whom were drawn to his promises of miraculous healing and prophetic abilities.
The structure of God Kuzya’s cult was highly organized, consisting of six distinct “circles.” At the core were his wives, followed by a harem of devoted female followers. The subsequent circles included close disciples, general followers, those unaware of Popov’s supposed divinity, and finally, those who had been cast out, derogatorily labeled as “demons” or “cucumbers.”
Life within the cult was governed by strict rules and regulations. Followers were expected to relinquish their possessions and donate money to the sect. Many lived communally in apartments owned by the group, adhering to a rigorous daily routine of prayer, meditation, and various rituals. However, beneath this veneer of spiritual devotion lay a dark undercurrent of abuse and exploitation.
Popov was known for his brutal treatment of followers, particularly women. He would often subject members to severe physical punishment, including whipping and torture, for minor infractions such as communicating with the outside world or taking medicine. During these abusive sessions, he was reported to shout phrases like “Cool, cool!” while dismissing concerns about fainting or weakness as failures of the body rather than the spirit.
The cult’s financial practices were equally troubling. Popov lived an extravagant lifestyle, reportedly bathing in banknotes prepared by his followers. The group’s income was derived from various fraudulent activities, including selling followers’ apartments and collecting donations for non-existent religious services at Orthodox fairs. This deceit was part of a broader strategy to amass wealth, with members encouraged to give all their property and possessions to Popov.
As the sect grew in size and influence, it began to attract the attention of Russian authorities and media. Concerns were raised about the group’s financial practices and the well-being of its members. In 2015, Russian law enforcement agencies conducted a series of raids on properties associated with the cult, including Popov’s residence in Moscow.
The raids uncovered shocking evidence of the cult’s activities. Authorities found approximately $4 million in cash hidden in Popov’s apartments, along with valuable jewelry and other luxury items. Even more disturbing was the discovery of child pornography and rare animals, including a crocodile, an armadillo, and an echidna.
Following these revelations, Popov was arrested and charged with fraud and creating an organization that infringes on the rights of citizens. The legal proceedings against him and his associates continued for several years, culminating in a 2018 court decision that sentenced Popov to five years in prison for fraud. The court found that he had defrauded his followers of millions of rubles under the guise of religious activities.
The case of God Kuzya’s sect brought to light the ongoing issue of new religious movements in Russia and the challenges faced by authorities in dealing with groups that operate on the fringes of established religious institutions. It sparked debates about religious freedom and the fine line between spiritual practices and criminal activities.
In the aftermath of Popov’s arrest and conviction, the sect largely disbanded, with many followers left disillusioned by the revelations about their leader’s actions. Some former members have since spoken out about their experiences within the group, providing valuable insights into the inner workings of the cult and the psychological manipulation employed by its leader.
image via Pravmir
