Russian Orthodox Church

Russian Orthodox Church. It is the largest autocephalous Eastern Orthodox Church in the world, tracing its origins to the Baptism of Rus' in 988 under Prince Vladimir of Kiev. The church is headed by the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', a title currently held by Patriarch Kirill, and its headquarters are at the Danilov Monastery in Moscow. It plays a significant role in the spiritual, cultural, and political life of Russia and other nations within its canonical territory.

History

The Christianization of Kievan Rus' followed the Baptism of Rus', establishing ecclesiastical ties with the Byzantine Empire and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Metropolis of Kiev was the initial center, with its seat later moving to Vladimir and then to Moscow by the 14th century, a period marked by the influence of monastic figures like Sergius of Radonezh. Following the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, the church asserted its autocephaly, and in 1589, the Metropolitan of Moscow Job was elevated to the rank of Patriarch by Jeremias II. The reforms of Patriarch Nikon in the 17th century led to the Old Believers schism. The church's authority was drastically curtailed under Peter the Great, who abolished the patriarchate and instituted the Most Holy Synod, a state-controlled body. The October Revolution and subsequent policies of state atheism under leaders like Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin led to severe persecution, the destruction of churches like the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the execution of clergy, including Patriarch Tikhon. A period of controlled revival occurred during World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. The church experienced a major resurgence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with the patriarchate restored in 1917 and led by figures such as Alexy II.

Organization and structure

It is governed by a hierarchical episcopal polity headed by the Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus', who presides over the Holy Synod based in Moscow. The territory is divided into numerous eparchies (dioceses), each led by a bishop, with major centers including the Eparchy of Moscow and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Key administrative bodies include the Bishops' Council and the Supreme Church Council. Major monasteries, which hold great spiritual and historical significance, include the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiyev Posad, the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in Saint Petersburg, and the Optina Pustyn. The church also operates numerous seminaries and academies, such as the Moscow Theological Academy, and maintains a network of parishes across Russia and the near abroad.

Beliefs and practices

Its doctrine is firmly rooted in the traditions of the Eastern Orthodox Church, upholding the Nicene Creed and the teachings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. The church places immense importance on the Divine Liturgy, particularly the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, and the veneration of icons, as defended during the period of Iconoclasm. The spiritual life is deeply ascetic, influenced by the Philokalia and the practice of Hesychasm. Significant feast days include Pascha (Easter), Christmas (celebrated on January 7 per the Julian calendar), and Theophany. The church venerates a vast array of saints, including early martyrs like Boris and Gleb, medieval figures such as Alexander Nevsky and Seraphim of Sarov, and 20th-century New Martyrs like the Imperial Family and Tikhon.

Relations with other churches

It is a leading member of the worldwide Eastern Orthodox Church communion but its relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has been strained, particularly following the latter's grant of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019, which it rejects, leading to a severance of communion. It maintains dialogue with other Oriental Orthodox Churches and has historically participated in ecumenical discussions with the Roman Catholic Church, though tensions persist over issues such as Eastern Catholicism in Ukraine and proselytism. The church is also a member of the World Council of Churches and engages in bilateral relations with other autocephalous churches like the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Church of Greece.

Role in Russian society and politics

Since the late 1980s, it has regained a prominent public role, closely aligning with the Russian state under presidents like Boris Yeltsin, Vladimir Putin, and Dmitry Medvedev. This partnership is often described through the concept of a "symphony" of church and state, with the church frequently supporting government policies and the state endorsing the church's moral and social agenda. It is actively involved in public education, the military through the institution of chaplains, and social services. The church promotes traditional values regarding the family and morality, influencing legislation and public discourse. Its reconstruction of thousands of churches, including the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and its presence at major state events, such as the annual Victory Day parade on Red Square, symbolize its restored status in national life, though this close relationship is critiqued by some human rights groups and opposition figures.