The politicization of Russian orthodoxy

More about the book

This book analyzes the ideologies of politicized Orthodox Christianity in contemporary Russia, including fundamentalism, pan-Slavism, neo-Eurasianism, Orthodox communism, and nationalism. It offers a detailed description of the subculture of political Orthodoxy, encompassing its language, symbols, art, mass media, social spaces, and dress code. This study is the first scholarly examination of these topics, distinguishing itself by focusing on political movements that derive their ideology from interpretations of Orthodox doctrine, often diverging from canonical teachings, rather than the political ambitions of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). It reveals that the "political Orthodox" or "Orthodox patriots" represent a unique group of believers who frequently do not adhere to traditional practices, instead creating their own quasi-Orthodox rituals. The book clarifies that the ROC is not responsible for this religious politicization; rather, it is driven by lay intellectuals with religious inclinations. Additionally, it provides a brief analysis of this intellectual community. Notably, despite limited electoral success, certain religio-political movements—particularly fundamentalists and nationalists—have garnered grassroots support and infiltrated larger, more moderate political organizations, contributing to the broader "Orthodoxization" of Russian political discourse.