An apocalyptic cult from Ukraine, notorious for its dramatic end-of-the-world predictions and extreme practices.
The Rise of the White Brotherhood
In the tumultuous years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine witnessed the emergence of a controversial religious movement known as the White Brotherhood. Founded in the early 1990s by Marina Tsvigun (who later adopted the name Maria Devi Christos) and Yuri Krivonogov, the group quickly gained notoriety for its apocalyptic teachings and radical practices.
The movement’s rapid growth can be attributed to the social and political upheaval of the time. Many people, disillusioned with the sudden collapse of communist ideology, found themselves searching for new sources of meaning and stability. The White Brotherhood’s syncretic blend of Christianity, Eastern mysticism, and New Age concepts appealed to a broad audience, particularly among young people in Ukraine, Russia, and other former Soviet republics.
Leadership and Core Beliefs
At the heart of the White Brotherhood’s ideology was the claim that Marina Tsvigun was the incarnation of both Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Born in 1960 in Donetsk, Ukraine, Tsvigun had worked as a journalist before becoming involved in esoteric practices. Her partner, Yuri Krivonogov, born in 1941, was a cybernetics researcher with expertise in psychology and hypnosis. Together, they shaped the group’s beliefs and recruitment strategies.
The cult’s teachings centered around an imminent apocalypse, which they predicted would occur on November 24, 1993. Followers were told that only those who joined the White Brotherhood would be saved from this impending doom. This apocalyptic message was combined with elements of traditional Slavic spirituality and theosophical ideas, creating a unique belief system that resonated with many seekers in the post-Soviet space.
Recruitment and Controversial Practices
The White Brotherhood’s recruitment tactics were often aggressive and controversial. Many adherents, including teenagers, left their homes and families to join the group. This led to widespread distress among relatives and appeals to authorities for intervention. The cult was known for its provocative actions, including interrupting Orthodox services and urging churchgoers to embrace Maria Devi as a god.
Critics accused the group of brainwashing and exploiting vulnerable individuals, particularly young people. The movement’s practices often involved strict control over followers’ lives, psychological manipulation, and the renunciation of personal possessions. These methods drew parallels with other extremist cults, such as the Branch Davidians in the United States.
The Climax and Downfall
As the predicted doomsday approached, tensions between the White Brotherhood and Ukrainian authorities reached a boiling point. The group’s activities became increasingly public and disruptive, culminating in a dramatic attempt to seize control of Saint Sophia’s Cathedral in Kyiv on November 10, 1993. Hundreds of followers gathered at the cathedral, reportedly intending to commit mass suicide to trigger the apocalypse.
Ukrainian police intervened, arresting Marina Tsvigun, Yuri Krivonogov, and other leaders of the White Brotherhood. The incident led to a high-profile trial that captured national and international attention. In 1996, Tsvigun was sentenced to four years in prison, while Krivonogov received a longer sentence of seven years.
The imprisonment of its leaders effectively dismantled the White Brotherhood’s organizational structure. However, a small number of devoted followers continued to believe in Marina Tsvigun’s divine status even after her release from prison in 1997. Tsvigun, now known as Victoria Victorovna Preobrazhenskaya, attempted to revive the movement under the name “The New Community of Enlightened Humanity,” but it failed to gain significant traction.
image via The Guardian
