The Orthodox disapproval of the March 8 celebration is primarily explained by the fact that both the chosen date and the content of the holiday closely contradict religious traditions and the sentiments of the faithful.

Orthodox Critique: March 8 and the Challenge of Religious Pluralism

The Orthodox disapproval of the March 8 celebration is primarily explained by the fact that both the chosen date and the content of the holiday closely contradict religious traditions and the sentiments of the faithful. In one source ( link txt) it is noted:

"– It is an affront to the religious feelings of believers, as usually on this day the Great Lent is already in progress, and the celebration of 'Women's Day' almost always occurs during the evening service on the eve of the first and second commemorations of the head of John the Baptist, when the Church once again remembers the martyrdom of the Forerunner of Christ, caused by female debauchery, vengeance, and treachery."

This emphasizes that holding a secular celebration during a period when the Church is entering important liturgical events and commemorations of a martyrdom is perceived as a disrespect to sacred traditions. Additionally, the same source records that "the anti-Christian orientation of the 'International Women's Day on March 8' at its inception was evident," indicating that the holiday originally possessed characteristics that conflicted with Christian values.

As for the criticism of other religions from the Orthodox standpoint, it is justified by the belief that the true fullness of spiritual experience and grace exists exclusively within the Orthodox tradition. In one of the materials ( link txt) it states:

"Denouncing the distortions of the truth is, in this way, a necessary part of Christian teaching, without which it would become defenseless in the face of various admixtures. The Church of Christ is the Church of Truth, and in Truth there can be no pluralism (especially when it comes to the very issue of Truth)."

Thus, the position of the Church is based on the conviction that it is the Orthodox interpretation of the Gospel and tradition that carries the true faith, and any deviation from this truth is regarded as a distortion that must be condemned. This serves as the basis for the criticism of other religious currents and teachings— from the perspective of Orthodox thought, the presence of pluralism concerning religious truth undermines the unity of the Christian message.