Learning the Impact of Religion in Russian Culture

With its many iconic churches, monasteries and temples, it's no secret that religion plays an important role in Russian culture. From the ancient days of the Novgorod Republic to the the present age of this highly influential country, religion has had an undeniable impact on its development. But, just how much of an influence has religion had on the culture and life of the Russian people?

Historical Role of Religion in Russia

The earliest forms of religion in Russia were pagan and folk beliefs, though they were heavily replaced by Christianity starting in the 10th century. Russia officially accepted Christianity in 973 AD, in a ceremony presided by the Byzantine Emperor. This event marked the start of a deep entanglement between the Russian Orthodox Church and the State, which would last for centuries.

The Russian Orthodox Church grew to become an incredibly influential entity in the country, in no small part due to the connection of the czars with the church. In 1547, the church gained further strength when it was made the official religion of the country, and subsequent centuries saw the Orthodox Church exercising control over virtually all aspects of life. This control ranged from education to politics, and was especially reflected in the moral role taken by the church.

Contemporary Russian Religious Scene

Religion in Russia underwent a major shift about a century ago, when Nicholas II declared a separation between state and church. This didn't necessarily result in a shift away from traditional faith – instead, it allowed freedom of religion and brought about a revival of Russian Orthodoxy. In fact, after the fall of the USSR, the Russian Orthodox Church experienced a dramatic resurgence and quickly asserted itself as a major voice in the country.

Today, according to a survey conducted in 2016, over 81% of Russians identify as Orthodox Christians, with a lesser percentage belonging to other religions such as Catholicism, Islam, and Judaism. Despite this, it's interesting to note that there has been a marked drop in participation in religious activities – while the number of people who identify as Orthodox Christians is still quite high, only a small percentage (21%) actually attend religious events on a regular basis.

Religion’s Impact on Society and Culture

Religion has had a deep and lasting impact on Russian culture and beliefs, both past and present. Aside from providing a source of moral guidance for people for centuries, it also played an important role in creating the traditional view of family in Russia. The romanticized version of a “Russian family” – with its father as a moral force and its mother as a nurturing figure – is heavily rooted in Orthodoxy values and beliefs.
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At the same time, much of the symbolism that is commonly associated with Russia – from the onion domes of the Catherine Palace to the figure of Saint George slaying the dragon – have strong origins in Orthodoxy. Fashion, art, and literature have also been heavily influenced by Orthodoxy. As this overview shows, religion has had an undeniable impact on the culture of Russia, though its specific effects vary by era.

Final Thoughts

Russia's relationship with religion is a complex one – its history is deeply intertwined with the Russian Orthodox Church and its people are still largely religious, even though their participation in religious activities has dropped in recent years. It’s clear that religion plays an important role in the culture and life of the Russian people, and understanding its impact provides valuable insight into the unique character of Russian society.
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