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Do you imply that Tolkien had this in mind? But Orthodox religion can hardly be hinted at as a 'mysterious cult', IMO
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Not sure if I do, but there always is a probability. Maybe, why not.
Mysterious cult maybe one which is secret, and, but it may be one which has 'mysteries' as part of its rituals, and Catholicism and Eastern Orthodox Church alike have Holy Misteries as the central pillar, physical and spiritual manifestation of their belief.
It may have been even 'mysterious' in a sense of 'unknown', 'strange', as Orthodox Church would inevitably be seen by a Catholic Tolkien (members of both holding genuine belief that the other one is erring in its ways). And such a belief implies that way of one or another is true only, but erring one fails.
Hence (and thing to follow is utter speculation) the wizards (i.e. members of angelic order) with the colour associated with the Orthodox Church, which is in the East of our [Christian] world, go to the East of ME and are 'mysterious' = 'strange and unknown', and probably fail.
PS Credit to J.R.R.T for that 'probably'. Be my speculation true, such an allowance witnesses for his tolerance in the matters of ultimate importance to him