The Role of the Russian Orthodox Church in Post-Soviet Russian Society

Abstract

This article explores the revival of the Russian Orthodox Church in post-Soviet Russia and its role in shaping the country's cultural, political, and social landscape. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian Orthodox Church experienced a resurgence, both as a religious institution and as a symbol of national identity. The paper analyzes the Church’s relationship with the state, focusing on its close ties with the Russian government under President Vladimir Putin, and examines how the Church has influenced public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Using a combination of religious texts, state documents, and interviews with Church officials, the article assesses how the Church has redefined its role in a society that was once under state-imposed atheism. The research also considers the impact of the Church’s revival on social issues such as gender, family values, and education, and the ways in which it has influenced the Russian national discourse. The paper concludes by reflecting on the broader implications of the Church’s influence on Russian society and its role in the creation of post-Soviet Russian identity.