Kathmandu— In the turbulent years following the collapse of the Soviet Union, a wave of sectarian movements emerged across the former USSR. Among the most prominent was the White Brotherhood, founded by Marina Tsvigun, a former journalist and Communist Party member who proclaimed herself “Maria Devi Khristos,” or Mother of the World. Tsvigun’s journey from political activist to self-proclaimed messiah began with a reported near-death experience during an abortion, leading her to believe she had received a divine soul and was destined to save humanity. Partnering with Yuri Krivonogov, a Ph.D. in technology with ties to both spiritual movements and potentially the KGB, Tsvigun built a following by promising salvation through adherence to their unique blend of spirituality and apocalyptic prophecy.

The Rise of Maria Devi Khristos

Born in Donetsk in 1960, Marina Mamonova displayed early involvement in Soviet society, graduating with a degree in journalism and working for the Komsomol and local media. She married and had a son, but her life took an unexpected turn in 1990 following multiple abortions; she claimed to have experienced clinical death and received a ‘divine soul.’ This experience transformed her into Marina Tsvigun, leader of the White Brotherhood.

The sect’s formation was heavily influenced by Yuri Krivonogov, who had previously explored various spiritual paths including Krishnaism before establishing his own Atma Soul Institute focused on bioenergetics and esoteric teachings. Krivonogov met Tsvigun during a lecture, where she declared her reincarnation as a divine being, sparking a partnership that would define the White Brotherhood’s ideology and direction. They later added Vitaly Kovalchuk to their leadership circle, completing a triumvirate of ‘John’ figures.

Yusmalos: A Program for Salvation

The White Brotherhood rapidly gained traction in the post-Soviet landscape, attracting individuals disillusioned by the collapse of communism and searching for meaning. The sect preached a message centered around “fohata”—a divine energy accessible to believers—and warned of impending fohatic radiation that would destroy those who did not recognize Maria Devi Khristos as their savior. They promised entry into a Golden Age for only 144,000 ‘Yusmalians,’ the chosen few.

A former member, Sergei Ovchinnikov, described being approached by people in white robes offering work and inviting him to meet Tsvigun, where he was subjected to what he believed was hypnosis and urged to abandon his life for the brotherhood. The sect’s teachings, outlined in a document called “The Yusmalos program for saving the Earth,” combined elements of Eastern spirituality with apocalyptic predictions.

Kiev Standoff and Legal Consequences

In 1993, the White Brotherhood attempted a dramatic ritual near Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev. They planned to sacrifice Tsvigun and then self-immolate, believing she would rise from the dead three days later to judge the world. However, Ukrainian police were alerted and intervened, leading to clashes with sect members and mass arrests. The event garnered international attention and resulted in criminal charges against the leaders.

The subsequent trial concluded in 1996 with Marina Tsvigun receiving a four-year sentence for seizing public buildings and harming citizens under the guise of religious practice. Krivonogov received seven years, while Kovalchuk was sentenced to six. Viktor Shokin, who led the investigation, revealed that the organization operated with a strict hierarchical structure, relaying information back to Tsvigun and Krivonogov through groups of five.

A Continued Presence Online

Following their release from prison, Tsvigun and Krivonogov pursued different paths. While Krivonogov sought to distance himself from the sect, Tsvigun continued her activities under the pseudonym Victoria Preobrazhenskaya. She now publishes poetry, music, and online appeals through a new organization called YUSMALOS—an acronym derived from planetary names.

Tsvigun’s current teachings retain elements of the original White Brotherhood ideology, emphasizing love for humanity and harmony with nature while centering on her own divine status. She frequently comments on political events, particularly those concerning Russia and Ukraine, often promoting conspiracy theories about global governance and external forces manipulating world affairs. Despite a relatively small following—around 600 subscribers on Telegram and 15,000 on YouTube—she maintains an active online presence, disseminating her messages through videos and articles.

Marina Tsvigun continues to lead YUSMALOS, propagating her unique blend of spirituality and political commentary. The extent of the organization’s current membership remains unclear, but she maintains a consistent output of content across various social media platforms.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.