Russian Orthodoxy, Nationalism, and the Soviet State During the Gorbachev Years

The relationship between Russian Orthodoxy, nationalism, and the Soviet state has been a complex and often contentious one. During the Soviet period, religious practice was severely restricted, and the Orthodox Church was subjected to persecution. However, in the late 1980s, under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet government began to relax its grip on religion. This led to a revival of religious practice in the Soviet Union, and the Orthodox Church played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Revival of Religious Practice

The revival of religious practice in the Soviet Union began in the late 1980s, as the government began to relax its restrictions on religion. This was due in part to Gorbachev's own personal interest in religion, as well as to the growing pressure from the international community to improve human rights in the Soviet Union. In 1988, the Soviet government passed a law on religious freedom, which allowed for the opening of new churches and monasteries, and the teaching of religion in schools. This law was a major turning point in the relationship between the state and the Orthodox Church.

Russian Orthodoxy, Nationalism and the Soviet State during the Gorbachev Years, 1985-1991 (Routledge Religion, Society and Government in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet States)

by Carolyn Waggoner

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1120 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	187 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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The revival of religious practice was particularly strong in Russia, where the Orthodox Church had a long history and a deep connection to Russian culture. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, thousands of new churches and monasteries were opened in Russia, and the number of people attending religious services increased dramatically. The Orthodox Church also became increasingly involved in social and political issues, and it played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Role of the Orthodox Church in the Collapse of the Soviet Union

The Orthodox Church played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Church's traditional ties to Russian culture and its opposition to communism made it a natural rallying point for anti-Soviet sentiment. In the late 1980s, the Church became increasingly vocal in its criticism of the Soviet government, and it played a key role in organizing and supporting anti-government demonstrations. In 1991, the Church played a key role in the failed August coup against Gorbachev, and it was one of the first institutions to recognize the independence of the Russian Federation.

The collapse of the Soviet Union was a major turning point in the history of Russian Orthodoxy. The Church was now free to operate without government interference, and it quickly became one of the most important institutions in Russian society. The Church has played a significant role in the development of Russian society since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and it continues to be a major force in Russian politics and culture.

The relationship between Russian Orthodoxy, nationalism, and the Soviet state has been a complex and often contentious one. During the Soviet period, religious practice was severely restricted, and the Orthodox Church was subjected to persecution. However, in the late 1980s, under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet government began to relax its grip on religion. This led to a revival of religious practice in the Soviet Union, and the Orthodox Church played a significant role in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, the Orthodox Church is one of the most important institutions in Russian society, and it continues to play a significant role in Russian politics and culture.

Russian Orthodoxy, Nationalism and the Soviet State during the Gorbachev Years, 1985-1991 (Routledge Religion, Society and Government in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet States)

by Carolyn Waggoner

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1120 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	187 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE