The depiction of “Orthodoxy” in Post-Soviet Space: How Vladimir Putin uses the Church in his anti-Western campaign?

Abstract

Abstract This Article seeks to examine the Russia’s recent interest in uplifting the status of Orthodox church as a pivotal factor in the state and beyond that. Most importantly the position of the Orthodox church has grown rapidly during Putin’s administration as a solacing factor to fill the gap that emerged from the fall of Soviet Union. The 16th century doctrine propounded by Filofei called “Third Rome”, which profoundly portrayed Moscow as the last sanctuary for Eastern Christianity and the 19th century nationalist mantra of “Orthodoxy, Nationality and Autocracy” have been rejuvenated under Putin as new ideological path to move away from Western influence. It has been especially evident that the ideological movement that rigidly denies Russia’s hobnobbing with the Liberal West has been rather intensified after the Crimean crisis in 2014. Under this situation Putin’s usage of Orthodoxy and Russia’s spiritual legacy stand as a direct political tool expressing Russia’s uniqueness in global affairs. This article will critically examine the historical trajectory of Orthodox church in Russia as an indicator of its distinctiveness.