The altar and throne alliance. The Russian Orthodox Church vs. the government in Russia
The altar and throne alliance. The Russian Orthodox Church vs. the government in Russia

Author(s): Katarzyna Chawryło (Jarzyńska)
Subject(s): Government/Political systems, Politics and religion, Eastern Orthodoxy
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Orthodox Church; Government; Russia; relations with the Kremlin; Structural and staff reform;
Summary/Abstract: A great majority of Russians declare that they are members of the Orthodox Church. However, an analysis of social behaviours has proven that religion has no major impact on their lives – a great number of Russian citizens are not familiar with the religious dogmas, do not engage themselves in church rituals and have a liberal approach to following Christian moral principles. Attachment to Orthodoxy in the case of most Russians is of a declarative and passive nature, and usually is not linked to taking any specific actions. On the other hand, Orthodoxy and the Russian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, which is the largest religious community in Russia, play an essential role in the process of cultural and civil self-identification of the Russian nation. The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as a socio-political institution with a centuries-old history, which places strong emphasis on the continuity of Russian statehood and enjoys public prestige in Russia, has also been used for political purposes.

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