Russian Orthodox Church

Definition

The Russian Orthodox Church is the largest autocephalous Orthodox Christian church, rooted in the Byzantine tradition, and serves as a significant religious institution in Russia. It played a crucial role in shaping Russian identity and culture, especially during the rise of Eastern European powers, where it established a strong connection between the church and the state.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Russian Orthodox Church was formally established in 988 AD when Prince Vladimir of Kiev adopted Christianity, marking the beginning of Orthodox Christianity in Russia.
2. Throughout its history, the church has maintained a close relationship with the Russian state, often supporting tsarist authority while also influencing political matters.
3. The church's role expanded significantly under Peter the Great in the early 18th century, who sought to modernize Russia and asserted state control over church affairs.
4. During the 20th century, particularly under Soviet rule, the Russian Orthodox Church faced persecution and suppression, but it experienced a revival after the fall of communism in 1991.
5. Today, the Russian Orthodox Church is not only a spiritual authority but also plays an important role in national identity, politics, and cultural life in modern Russia.

Review Questions

• How did the Russian Orthodox Church influence Russian identity and governance during its early establishment?
  • The establishment of the Russian Orthodox Church in 988 AD under Prince Vladimir marked a turning point in forming Russian identity, as it integrated Byzantine religious traditions into local culture. This connection to Orthodox Christianity helped unify various Slavic tribes under a common faith and legitimized the authority of rulers who claimed divine right. The church became intertwined with governance, often reinforcing the power of tsars while fostering a sense of national unity among people.
• Analyze how Peter the Great's policies affected the relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the state.
  • Peter the Great implemented reforms that significantly altered the dynamic between the Russian Orthodox Church and the state. He sought to modernize Russia by reducing ecclesiastical power and establishing state control over church affairs through institutions like the Holy Synod. This not only diminished clerical authority but also allowed Peter to assert greater political dominance, showing how he viewed religion as a tool for centralizing his rule while promoting a more secular approach to governance.
• Evaluate the impact of Soviet rule on the Russian Orthodox Church and its revival after communism fell.
  • Soviet rule imposed severe restrictions on religious practices and sought to diminish the influence of the Russian Orthodox Church through persecution and propaganda promoting atheism. However, after communism fell in 1991, there was a remarkable revival of interest in Orthodox Christianity, with many Russians returning to their religious roots. The church regained significant cultural and political influence, aligning itself closely with contemporary nationalism and becoming a key player in shaping post-Soviet Russian identity.

Related terms

Byzantine Christianity: The form of Christianity that developed in the Byzantine Empire, which greatly influenced the religious practices and architecture of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Tsar: The title used to designate East and South Slavic monarchs or supreme rulers, particularly associated with the rulers of Russia who claimed divine authority supported by the church.

Eastern Orthodoxy: A branch of Christianity that encompasses the traditional beliefs and practices of the Eastern Christian churches, including the Russian Orthodox Church, emphasizing the importance of sacraments and church tradition.