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

During the Gorbachev years, the Soviet Union underwent a period of significant political and social change. One of the most visible manifestations of this change was the revival of religious activity, particularly within the Russian Orthodox Church. This revival was due in part to the policies of glasnost and perestroika, which allowed for greater freedom of expression and religious practice.

The revival of the Russian Orthodox Church had a profound impact on Soviet society. It not only led to a resurgence of religious faith, but also to a renewed sense of national identity. For many Russians, the Orthodox Church represented a symbol of Russian history and culture, and its revival was seen as a way to reconnect with the country's past. In addition, the Church played an important role in the political and social changes that were taking place in the Soviet Union. It provided a forum for public debate and discussion, and it helped to mobilize support for reform.

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

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1120 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	187 pages
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The relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Soviet state was complex and often contentious. The state had long been suspicious of the Church, which it saw as a potential threat to its authority. However, the Gorbachev years saw a gradual improvement in relations between the two institutions. The state recognized the importance of the Church in Soviet society, and it began to take steps to accommodate its needs.

One of the most significant developments in the relationship between the Church and the state was the passage of a law on freedom of religion in 1990. This law gave the Church the right to operate freely in the Soviet Union, and it also allowed for the return of some of its property that had been confiscated by the state in the past. The law also established a system of state-church relations that provided for regular consultations between the two institutions.

The passage of the law on freedom of religion was a major victory for the Russian Orthodox Church. It allowed the Church to regain much of its former status and influence in Soviet society. The Church also played an important role in the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It provided moral support to those who were seeking change, and it helped to legitimize the new government that emerged from the collapse of the Soviet regime.

The revival of the Russian Orthodox Church during the Gorbachev years was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It was due in part to the policies of glasnost and perestroika, but it was also driven by deeper currents within Soviet society. The revival of the Church was a sign of the growing desire for freedom and self-expression that was sweeping the Soviet Union at the time. It also reflected a renewed sense of national identity among Russians.

The revival of the Russian Orthodox Church during the Gorbachev years was a significant event in the history of the Soviet Union. It not only led to a resurgence of religious faith, but also to a renewed sense of national identity. The Church played an important role in the political and social changes that were taking place in the Soviet Union, and it helped to legitimize the new government that emerged from the collapse of the Soviet regime.

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