Russian Orthodoxy, Nationalism and the Soviet State During the - Gorbachev Years, 1985 199

This book examines how the Russian Orthodox Church developed during the period of Gorbachev's rule in the Soviet Union, a period characterised by perestroika (reform) and glasnost (openness). It charts how official Soviet policy towards religion in general and the Russian Orthodox Church changed, with the Church enjoying significantly improved status. It also discusses, however, how the improved relations between the Moscow Patriarchate and the state, and the Patriarchate's support for Soviet foreign policy goals, its close alignment with Russian nationalism and its role as a guardian of the Soviet Union's borders were not seen in a positive light by dissidents and by many ordinary believers, who were disappointed by the church's failure in respect of its social mission, including education and charitable activities.

List of contents

Introduction: Rethinking the Religious Renaissance during Perestroika1. Servant of the state or faithful ally? Church-state relations in modern Russian History2. State policy towards the Russian Orthodox Church3. Church-state relations: View from the Moscow Patriarchate4. The Moscow Patriarchate and the Soviet Media5. View from the outside: Russian Orthodoxy in the patriotic and Christian alternative press during perestroikaConclusion

About the author

Sophie Kotzer completed her doctorate at the University of Leicester

Summary

This book examines how Russian Orthodox Church developed during the period of Gorbachev’s rule in Soviet Union, a period characterised by perestroika (reform) and glasnost (openness).

Product details

• Authors: Sophie Kotzer
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.10.2021
• EAN: 9781032163307
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3216330-7
• No. of pages: 188
• Series: Routledge Religion, Society and Government in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet States
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Geosciences > Geography; European History, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Regional Studies, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Research, Christianity, Politics & government, Religion & politics, Regional Studies, Politics and government, Regional / International studies, Religion and Politics, Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe), POLITICAL SCIENCE / World / Russian & Soviet