Over the last 70 years, the activities of church officials have undergone significant changes, which has noticeably altered the public perception of their actions.

From Cautious Compliance to Bold Mission: Church Evolution Amid Politi

Over the last 70 years, the activities of church officials have undergone significant changes, which has noticeably altered the public perception of their actions. During periods of intensified state pressure and the organization of anti-religious campaigns, some clergy members adjusted their behavior in order to preserve their status and community support. As noted in one source, "Furthermore, he began sending for clergy who had compromised themselves with selfless 'flirtations' with Soviet power. When the official in charge at the next 'conversation' began interrogating him, which led to such a stern attitude towards the sinners, he replied, 'I cannot serve God’s law and encourage those who break it.' The authorities failed to break his principle, as he gained the support of impoverished parishes, with a halving of 'voluntary-forced' measures, and this decision provoked a sharp intensification of anti-religious propaganda and campaigns against him." (source: link txt)

At the same time, it is worth noting that starting from 1965, the influence of Orthodoxy over the population increased. In conditions when the state was conducting large-scale anti-religious campaigns, there was a noticeable rise in ritual practices and parish activity – church attendance increased, mass baptisms of children were noted, and there was a broad response among believers. This is mentioned in the following excerpt: "In 1965, the official for the Kaluga region sounded the alarm: 'The influence of Orthodoxy on the population is increasing. Practically in all churches there was an increase in ritual observance and income, which in turn indicated a greater attendance of churches by the faithful. In the Kozel’sky district, 60% of children were openly baptized and in Maloyaroslavetsky – up to 87%, with the number of baptisms increasing annually. The number of believers sharply increased despite the large-scale anti-religious campaigns.'" (source: link txt)

It is also important to emphasize that during this long period, individual personalities emerged who boldly initiated new missionary projects, despite the prevailing skepticism and society’s conviction that such success was impossible. As described in one source: "A living link between the era, as described by Georgy Fedotov, and our days was provided by solitary figures, among whom was, for example, the famous pianist Maria Veniaminovna Yudina. At the turn of the 50s and 60s, the activities of Father Alexander Men began. I will not speak of his parish, to which several of my friends belonged, but I did not belong myself and therefore cannot say anything beyond what is known. I will merely state that the very determination to embark on missionary work in such a time and in such a society—where the best people had already come to terms with the idea that it could not be, because it must not be—deserves astonishment and admiration. Without heroic posing." (source: link txt)

Thus, the changes in the activities of church officials over the last 70 years can be characterized as a transition from attempts to work under strict state control—with an emphasis on "correct" adherence to doctrine and caution in public statements—to a more open and active stance, accompanied by an increase in the number of rituals and parishes despite pressure from the authorities. These changes, partly forced by circumstances, led to a shift in the public’s perception of church leaders: support grew for those who demonstrated principle and a commitment to their spiritual convictions, which in turn not only attracted attention but also admiration among believers.