The Russian Orthodox Church has a strong influence on society in Russia. However, this relationship is often difficult to understand.
It is a combination of personal acquaintances, institutional connections and ideological convergences. The Church is involved in various spheres of political life.
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The relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin
The relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Kremlin is a contested one. As a result, many scholars question the role of religion in Russia and whether or not the Church is able to successfully promote its doctrine.
In Russia, the Church tries to avoid being too political, but that’s not always possible. Since Dmitry Medvedev became president, there have been more attempts to reconcile the Church with the federal government.
This has also led to the politicization of the Church’s stance on religious issues. In particular, it has become increasingly important to defend the right to religious freedom.
In some instances, the Church has been able to assert its position through advocacy for volunteer social and cultural projects, such as the Martha and Mary Convent in Moscow or alcohol rehabilitation centers. These efforts help to soften the Church’s image in a society that is often hostile to it.
The role of the Church in the Russian political system
In recent years, the Church has regained prominence in Russian society and is seen as a key player in the political process. But this role can also cause problems.
Among other things, the growing role of Orthodoxy in Russian politics has been associated with anti-Western and anti-democratic rhetoric. This has prompted some people to see the Church as an enemy of the state.
Moreover, Church officials have been known to express doubts about the ability of Russia to become a democracy and to support anti-Western policies. At the same time, they have been promoting the notion that Orthodox values are unique and that only Orthodoxy can protect them.
The relationship between the Church and the media
Despite their commonalities in religious themes, religion and politics are not easy to separate. This is because there are lofty goals and self-interest, egotism, sincerity and guile in the world.
In my research, I have shown that the interactions between Orthodox religion and political affairs are manifold, characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation, competition, conflict and unintended consequences. This complexity is based on the fact that relationships between Orthodoxy and politics occur at various levels of organizations, institutions and movements, both local and regional, as well as national.
In addition, I have found that in many regions of Russia, the Church is facing competition from Protestants, particularly Baptists and Pentecostals. The Orthodox Church defends its position by enforcing restrictions on missionary activities, and by excluding non-Orthodox Christians from mass media and the public sphere in general.
The relationship between the Church and the government
Despite its history of conflict with the state, the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) is increasingly involved in the political system. This is particularly the case since President Dmitri Medvedev’s partnership with Patriarch Kirill, and the creation of a new status structure for religious groups.
In addition, the Church is attempting to build a social image by taking part in community development. In order to do so, the Church tries to implement partnerships with the government.
The relationship between the Church and the government is a complex one. This is because the Church is facing a problem of power and authority.
It is important to understand this relationship because it can have an impact on the state’s policymaking and political actions. The Church is also involved in the formation of a national identity for Russia. This is reflected in the ROC’s opposition to liberal secularism and its calls for the mobilization of all Orthodox civilization against the West’s “ultra-liberalism.”
