The Russian Orthodox Church and the Soviet State: A Complex Relationship

Abstract

This article explores the complex relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Soviet state, focusing on the period from the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 to the collapse of the USSR in 1991. The paper examines how the Soviet government sought to suppress religious institutions, including the Russian Orthodox Church, through policies of atheism, persecution of clergy, and the closure of churches. It also considers the ways in which the Church, despite state repression, continued to play a role in the cultural and spiritual lives of Soviet citizens. The study highlights moments of cooperation between the Church and the state, especially during World War II, when the Church was allowed to regain some public influence in order to rally support for the war effort. By analyzing archival materials, religious texts, and state documents, the article assesses how the Church’s relationship with the Soviet government evolved over time and how it adapted to the ideological climate of the Soviet period. The research concludes by reflecting on the legacy of the Russian Orthodox Church in post-Soviet Russia.