Orthodoxy: Shaping National Identity and Moral Foundations
Orthodoxy occupies a leading position in modern Russian society as the foundation for the formation of cultural identity and moral guidelines. It has not only defined the basis of the worldview but also deeply transformed personal and family relationships among the Russian people, having a beneficial impact on the spiritual and moral development of society. At the core of this transformation is the recognition of Orthodoxy as the driving force that ennobled the Russian soul, emphasizing the importance of traditional values and family bonds.For example, one source notes:"Orthodoxy has become the basis of the Russian worldview. The external justification and strengthening of the Russian realm, on the one hand, and the change in the internal structure of public and family relations among the Russian people, on the other hand, were merely the result and natural consequence of the beneficial impact that Orthodoxy had on the personality of the Russian individual. Orthodoxy ennobled and educated all the best instincts of the Russian soul, improved and elevated its spiritual qualities, and significantly changed the entire moral character of the Russian person. The indelible mark of Orthodox Christianity is evident in all of his behavior and activities." (source: link txt)Another quotation emphasizes that Orthodox Christianity is a crucial component of Russian identity:"Russia, as a country, and the Russian people, as a nation, owe their existence to Christianity, and specifically to Orthodox Christianity. Each people chose or received that special name which became associated with the country from which they originated and that characterizes their essence: Tender and Beautiful France, Learned Germany, Old and Good England. Russia received the name Holy Rus. And in this, Russia’s true calling is expressed." (source: link txt)Furthermore, the role of the Church as the center of spiritual governance and the shaping of social norms is reflected in the following statement:"The Church has become the center of patristic statehood – not one that subjugates the people or creates slavery, but one that watches over the spiritual growth and moral self-improvement of each individual. The ecclesiastical idea of service formed the basis of Russia’s class structure, which was based on a division of common duties rather than on a hierarchy of rights, as was the case in the West. Here begins the entire fabric of Russian life, regardless of how its forms might have changed over time." (source: link txt)It is also worth noting how Orthodoxy transformed the understanding of intimate relationships by endowing marriage and love with a sacred character, thereby significantly influencing the socio-cultural structure of society:"Marriage, which in paganism had only a sensual basis, was made into a sacred mystery; love, formerly a base and purely physical feeling, was elevated to the highest and most spiritual virtue, etc., etc. Orthodoxy truly brought peace to the Russian land; it introduced benevolence into the lives of the Russian people." (source: link txt)Thus, in modern times, Orthodoxy exerts a significant influence on the formation of social and personal values, promotes the consolidation of national identity, and serves as a bridge between historical traditions and contemporary social processes.