Orthodox Tradition аs Acting Factor оf Russian History

Abstract

This work is devoted to the consideration of Orthodox Christianity as an important acting factor of Russian history. The authors note that culture is in the process of constant development, and therefore Orthodoxy, which revitalizes and integrates its components, is also a dynamic phenomenon. The version of Christianity that came to Russia – "Cyril and Methodius" Orthodoxy, was different from the Greek model, but that is why it was assimilated by the new flock. The role of Orthodoxy and the Church is traced in such key moments of Russian history as the Сhristianization of Russia, Russian expansion in Siberia and the Soviet era. Authors note that the Christianity in any period plays an important role in the Russian cultural outlook though this role is never invariable. For the same reason, the Russian Orthodox Church is sympathetic for needs of society, in every century offering suitable answers to new calls. Authors point that not always the relations of the state and Church in Russia were benevolent, as well as not all representatives of the Russian society treated Christian ethics and clergy with a piety, but Orthodoxy never lost the role of the integrating factor of the Russian cultural identification.