The Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church is a document that was approved at the Council in 2000. Its text sets out the main provisions of Orthodox teaching on the most important issues of a religious and state nature, as well as a number of other acute social problems of our time. The document also reflects the position of the Moscow Patriarchate on the topic of dialogue with the government and the secular world. The social concept is intended to establish the guiding principles that will be applied by bishops, priests and laity in everyday life.
History of creation
The need for a comprehensive church document was considered in the early 90s of the 20th century. In 1994, the Council issued a decree that the Synod should assemble a group of people who would develop this social concept.
- At meetings held in 1996 and 1997, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church approved the composition of the working group and approved the methodology for preparing this project. The special commission for the creation of the church document included 26 people, including clergy and bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, doctors of theological sciences and employees of the Synod.
- At the beginning of 1997, meetings began to be held where prospects and methods for creating a social concept were discussed. Most of the meetings were held without the presence of nonresident members, who, nevertheless, received examples of draft sections for amendments on their part. If the need arose, experts from a particular science were involved in the creation of the document. The activities of the working group were supported by a special department of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In 2000, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church approved the “Fundamentals of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church” - In total, approximately 30 meetings took place. Preliminary results were discussed at a conference held in early 2000, as well as at a special symposium at the St. Danilov Monastery in the summer of 2000. All comments and wishes of the participants in these meetings were taken into account when completing the project.
- The final consideration and approval of the church document took place at a meeting of the Synod in August 2000.
Important!
This social concept was created in order to clearly reflect the official opinion of the Moscow Patriarchate in matters of relations with the government and secular society. Dioceses, monasteries and other divisions of the Russian Orthodox Church must use this church document when they enter into relationships with government structures, secular organizations and the media. Proper use of the instructions contained in the text of the social concept will be of great benefit in considering specific issues. It was decided to introduce the document into the educational process of Sunday schools. At the Council of 2000 it was specified that all clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church become familiar with the text.
On a note! Metropolitan Kirill in 2000 spoke about the difficulties of creating this project. The saint explained that previously there was no such document in which the Church clearly formulated and systematized its own position on various issues of existence. During the existence of the Russian Orthodox Church, many acute social topics have accumulated to which the Patriarchate has not given categorical answers. Moreover, what was considered appropriate in the past is not always applicable today.
influence
The foundations of the social concept have accumulated the developments of renovationism, new religious consciousness and are a direct legacy of worldology. Similar to the documents of the Second Vatican Council, in particular the constitution “Gaudium et Spes”.
According to Fr. Vsevolod Chaplin, Catholics and Orthodox Christians speak with “a single voice” in such areas as peacemaking, public morality, bioethics, gender relations, social justice: “In this area, our Churches have much in common. It is no coincidence that many note the closeness of the provisions of the “Fundamentals of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church” and Catholic social teaching”[1].
Consideration of provisions
The Orthodox Church affirms that mutual beneficence within the framework of a reasonable approach to every matter will lead people to the knowledge of the Truth, despite differences in religions. Joint cooperation will help maintain or revive commitment to the moral laws given by the One Lord and will bring us closer to order and peaceful prosperity. Thanks to these mutual virtues, the Church is able to best fulfill its saving mission.
The document is divided into four blocks and 16 paragraphs. Each of them examines a specific significant problem of our time, illuminates various directions in the affairs of the state and the people.
- The first chapter of the spiritual document reveals the meaning of the term Church. It says here that this is a meeting of people who firmly believe in Jesus Christ. The Lord calls on every person, without division into religion or nation, to enter the Kingdom of God and unite in the Savior, for He is the Head. It is through the Church that the deification of creation occurs and the original plan of the Almighty Creator is fulfilled. Her appearance is the result of the redemption of the Son, whom the Father sent. The Church is the body of the God-man, continuing the war against worldly sin, therefore it does not correspond to Perfection in everything.
- The second paragraph of the text states that Orthodoxy has a supranational (universal) character. The Church is a community of the Lord’s children, united by faith in Christian teaching and Baptism. The homeland of the children of God is heavenly Jerusalem. It is also stated here that the Israeli people of the Old Testament period are God’s chosen ones, since it was the Lord who loved them and made them His own. Their belonging to the One Creator was ingrained in the minds of the Israelites. They became guardians of faith in God and preachers of the appearance of Christ. The Hebrew language was considered sacred, even despite the spread of Greek culture.
Fundamentals of the social concept of the Russian Orthodox Church - The third paragraph discusses the relationship between the Church and government agencies, which changes over time. The document calls the family the original unit of any society. The Old Testament says that the state, created as a result of complex historical transformations, did not take shape overnight. Initially there was a religious community. God gave people the right to freely arrange their own lives in order to avoid increasing manifestations of sinfulness. He established that the state structure is obliged to create counteraction to deep immorality, this is its main task, according to Orthodoxy.
- The third paragraph talks about secular law, which contains a limited number of moral norms that are mandatory for every citizen. Its task is to prevent the earthly world from plunging into complete hell, that is, from the emergence of complete chaos and disobedience in society. Every person, as written in the document, has the right to privacy, faith, family, as well as protection from interference by outside forces. A Christian must obey state laws, but if they interfere with the idea of eternal salvation, the believer is called to the great feat of confession (peacefully protesting or taking the path of civil disobedience).
On a note!
The social concept answered the question of their own correct attitude towards the Soviet regime, which allowed representatives of foreign Orthodoxy to begin a direct dialogue about reunification with the domestic Russian Orthodox Church. The archpastors of the foreign branch responded that the document played a significant role in the course of church conglomeration. Understanding the paths taken by two parts of the Russian Church, separated after the revolution, became possible only after the solemn ritual of canonization of the Romanov family of Passion-Bearers in 2000 and the adoption of a social concept.
Fundamentals of the social concept of the Russian Orthodox Church
Akathist to the Holy Elder Matrona of Moscow Kondak 1 Chosen by God from the swaddling clothes of infancy and with the gift of clairvoyance, miracle-working and healing through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the gifted, blessed Elder Matrona, crowned with an incorruptible crown from the Lord in heaven, we, Orthodox, will weave on earth a crown of praise from spiritual songs , you, blessed Mother, accept this from our grateful hearts and as having boldness before the Lord, deliver us from all troubles, sorrows, illnesses and intrigues of the enemy, and with love we sing to you: Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. IKOS 1 You appeared on earth as an angel in the flesh at your birth, even without bodily eyes you were seen by everyone, but the Lord, who makes wise the blind and loves the righteous, enlighten your spiritual eyes, so that the foreseeable future will appear, as if it were present and those suffering from all kinds of diverse diseases healing. For this reason we call you, mother, such as this: Rejoice, chosen by God from infancy. Rejoice, illuminated from the shrouds by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, you who were endowed with the gift of miracles from childhood. Rejoice, gifted with wisdom from God from above. Rejoice, deprived of bodily hairs, enlightened by spiritual hairs. Rejoice, more wise than the sighted and wise men of this age. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 2 Seeing the priest and the people present at your baptism, a pillar like steam coming out of the Holy font and smelling the great fragrance in the temple, having recognized you as a righteous woman, given from God to the earth, they glorified God, who does wonderful and glorious things in his people, with an angelic song: Hallelujah. IKOS 2 Having an enlightened mind from above, the priest who baptized you of God knew you as a child baptized by him, is a vessel of God's grace and you are called a Holy Child. From our zeal we offer these praises: Rejoice, child given by God. Rejoice, scented from the Holy Font with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, who baptized you as a priest of God and named you a Saint from your birth. Rejoice, sealed with the holy cross on your body by God. Rejoice, glorified on earth by the gift of miracles from God. Rejoice, thou crowned in heaven with an unfading crown from the Lord. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 3 By the power of the Most High, in her infancy the saint was transported from her bed to the holy icons, rejoicing, as if with her friends, she glorified God with the babble of her lips, who had learned from the mouth of an infant to praise Himself, singing to Him with a pure heart: Alleluia. IKOS 3 Having from God the gift of clairvoyance, even in early adolescence, deprived of bodily fringes, with spiritual open fringes she predicted futures for people as if they were real, suffering for this ridicule and reproach from relatives and friends who heard, but from the faithful she received the face: Rejoice, wondrous seer. Rejoice, unfalse fortuneteller of those who are invisible and far away. Rejoice, endowed with prophetic gifts from God. Rejoice, you who have comforted many for nothing. Rejoice, you who took ungodly money from them for healing the sick. Rejoice, you who endured ridicule and reproach for this without grumbling. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 4 A storm of bewilderment and confusion tried to convince me how I could praise and glorify the life of the holy righteous woman, if not the Lord, wondrous in His saints, would enlighten me with the prayers of the blessed old woman, so that I might sing to Him and I for this song of praise: Alleluia. IKOS 4 Having heard people from you, Mother Matrono, predictions about those who will be with them in life, I flock to you with their bewilderments, sorrows and sorrows and have received consolation and advice prudently, we thank you calling: Rejoice, good interpreter of our errors and misunderstandings. Rejoice, reliever of our sorrows. Rejoice, comforter of our sorrows. Rejoice, teacher of piety. Rejoice, good silverless one. Rejoice, banisher of all kinds of illnesses. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 5 Blessed Mother Matrono appeared as a divine star in the capital city of Moscow, like a wanderer who had no home here, you moved from place to place, bringing admonition to the perplexed, weakening to the suffering, healing to the sick, and gratefully calling out to God for this: Hallelujah. IKOS 5 Having seen the abundant river of miracles and healings flowing from you by God’s grace: granting walking to the lame, healing to the paralytic and those lying on their beds, driving away the spirits of evil from the possessed, rushing to you, mother, as to an inexhaustible source of miracles, the suffering and sick and having drunk Abundantly, comforted and healed, I cried out to You with a tender heart: Rejoice, righteous woman, sent down to us from God. Rejoice, healer, who heals all our ailments. Rejoice, you who help us with soulful advice. Rejoice, all our doubts and perplexities are soon resolved. Rejoice, you who cast out demons from suffering people. Rejoice, thou who instruct us on the right path, leading to God. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 6 The holy father John of Kronstadt appeared as a preacher of the holiness and righteousness of your life, blessed old lady, commanding the believers in the temple to make way and let the young maiden Matrona pass to him, calling her your successor and the eighth pillar of Russia. And those who heard the Lord about this glorified Him, shouting to Him the heavenly song: Alleluia. IKOS 6 The light of God's grace appears in the hearts of those who do not know God and the many sins that anger Him; through your prayers the light of God's grace and seeing the miracles you perform, I turn to the Lord, pleasing the blessed old woman with these praises: Rejoice, you who glorify God with your miracles. Rejoice, you who reveal to us the knowledge of God, His greatness and glory in them. Rejoice, you who convert the souls of unbelievers to God. Rejoice, you who enlighten hearts darkened by unbelief with the light of God. Rejoice, you who teach us repentance and the commandments of God. Rejoice, glorify and give thanks for everything to the Lord who admonishes us. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 7 Although the merciful Lord in these last times to save His creation, when all the power of the enemy for apostasy from God and unrepentance for numerous sins and vices rose up against God’s creation, sends His saints into the sinful world. Blessed Elder Matrona appeared as such an ascetic and prayer book. Let us glorify God’s mercy towards us sinners, singing to Him with gratitude: Alleluia. IKOS 7 The Lord has given the Russian people a new and wondrous intercessor, a prayer book, a healer and an intercessor for them to God according to the fathers of the Saints of Optina Hermitage, Leo, Macarius, Ambrose and John of Kronstadt, who have departed from this world. Let us strive to His blessed Elder Matrona to sing to the Mother of God: Rejoice, O our salvation intercessor to God. Rejoice, for the forgiveness of our sins, the righteous Judge, the propitiator. Rejoice, diligent visitor of holy temples and monasteries. Rejoice, helpless and hopeless sick and offended patroness sent by God. Rejoice, constant warrior with the forces of demons and their wiles. Rejoice, bloodless martyr of Christ, victorious over the worst tormentor - the devil. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 8 It is a strange miracle for the unbeliever and the unreasonable, how a blind woman can see and know not exactly the present, but also the future, not knowing the power of God in the weakness of human beings, nor even sing to God: Alleluia. IKOS 8 All that was holy in God, even in body and in this sinful world, was always surrounded by many faithful and unfaithful, pious and wicked, but she did not reject anyone with indifference and consolation, suffering from many annoyances and insults, exile, sorrow and reproach, without complaining about this, but thanking God for everything, urging us to patiently bear our cross, and to offer such blessings to the blessed one. Rejoice, you who endured many sorrows and illnesses for the healing of the sick. Rejoice, you who spent your entire life fighting unclean spirits. Rejoice, you who lost your walk from evil people for this walk. Rejoice, you who constantly remained in fervent prayer. Rejoice, sitting on your fist, bowed, resting. Rejoice, being alert in spirit, having spent all nights in prayer. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 9 You, Mother Matrono, endured all kinds of sorrows and illnesses, constantly fighting the forces of darkness, driving them out from those possessed by unclean spirits, exposing their intrigues and deceits, and never complained about this, continuing until her death to help the suffering, sick and mourning, taking out singing To the Lord God, who strengthens you with His power: Alleluia. IKOS 9 The many-pronounced Vitias will not be able to adequately comprehend the gifts of grace of the Holy Spirit given to you from above by God and describe and glorify all the holiness of your life and the miracles you perform by the power of God, much less how can our feeble-mindedness comprehend the fate of God that is being accomplished on you and sing and glorify with our sinful lips you, blessed mother, but although, according to the word of the psalmist, we praise God in His saints, driven by heartfelt love for you, we dare to this praise and call you. Rejoice, poor in spirit, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, you who walked the narrow and thorny path. Rejoice, as a bird of heaven flew from place to place. Rejoice, even if the birds of heaven have nests, but you have not acquired either a temple or treasures for yourself on earth. Rejoice, you have become like the Son of God, who had nowhere to lay your head, on earth. Rejoice, for you have now dwelt in heaven with Him in the abodes of paradise. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 10 Although you saved many people from the suffering of physical and mental ailments, you, the righteous woman of God, spent all your nights kneeling in prayer, asking for help and strengthening strength from our Lord Jesus Christ, who in His earthly journey knelt in prayer before the Heavenly Father, singing with angels to Him: Alleluia. IKOS 10 You were a wall and a covering during your life, blessed mother, to all who came running to you in need and sorrow, but even after death you did not cease to intercede before God for the people who come to your grave with faith. Hear, O good mother, now us, who have suffered many sins through sorrows, illnesses and many sorrows, and strive to help us with your holy prayers, propitiating the gracious Lord for all who cry out to you. Rejoice, warm prayer book for us to God. Rejoice, zealous for us sinners, intercessor to God. Rejoice, you who gratefully admonish us endure illness and sorrow. Rejoice, you who put good thoughts in our hearts in our perplexities. Rejoice, you who through your prayer help us to be saved. Rejoice, those who are far from you in body, but who earnestly call upon you from the heart, do not abandon them. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 11 Hear now the unearthly, angelic singing of the honorable mother Matrono, still living on earth, who has been honored, invisible to others, to talk with the heavenly angels, teach us, unworthy, how to glorify God in the Trinity, who is revered. Father and Son and Holy Spirit, to Him the heavenly armies continually sing in heaven: Alleluia. IKOS 11 Your life shines with a luminous light, blessed Elder Matrono, illuminating the darkness of this busy world, and attracts our souls to itself, so that even if they are illuminated by a small ray of God’s grace, they will be able to walk the sorrowful and cramped path of life, pleasing to God, and reach the gates of the Kingdom of God, Where you, mother, now, we believe, you have settled, hear the voice of those calling to you. Rejoice, lamp of God, who enlightens us even after death. Rejoice, honorable bead, who illumines us with the brilliance of your shrine. Rejoice, strengthening us in Orthodoxy with the light of your good deeds. Rejoice, fragrant blossom of our souls, fragrant with the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, all your life is holy and righteous. Rejoice, and your death is honorable before God. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 12 You have received the grace of God abundantly from the shrouds, O blessed mother, but I have remained with you all the days of your life, healing ailments, casting out demons, predicting the invisible and things that exist in the distance and instructing everyone for the salvation. We undoubtedly believe that even after death this grace remains with you most of all, for this sake we fall down and pray: do not deprive us, who are still wandering on earth, of your help and intercession, asking the Lord to have mercy and save all who diligently offer up solemn singing to Him in our holy churches : Hallelujah. IKOS 12 Singing your miracles, Mother Matrono, we praise God, who gave you such grace, and with the prophet David we cry out to you in psalm: Rejoice, for praise is due to the righteous. Rejoice, for the Lord loves the righteous. Rejoice, for the Lord makes the blind wise. Rejoice, for the Lord protects all who love Him. Rejoice, for the Lord delights in his people. Rejoice, for the Lord will do the will of those who fear Him, and I will hear their prayer and save them. Rejoice, for the saints will be praised in glory and will rejoice on their beds. Rejoice, blessed Elder Matrono, wonderful wonderworker. KONDAC 13 O blessed mother, hear now our praise and prayer sung to you, who promised even after death to hear those crying to you and ask our Savior Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness of our sins, the Christian end of our life and a good answer at His terrible judgment, so that and we, together with all those who have been pardoned by God, were honored in the villages of paradise to glorify the Holy Trinity with red singing: Alleluia. (We read this KONDAC three times and then we read IKOS 1 and KONDAC 1)
Continued analysis
The document emphasizes that a variety of political views are allowed among the episcopate, priests and ordinary laity. The exceptions are those beliefs that contradict Orthodoxy and the moral laws of Tradition. The charter says: the participation of clergy in the political activities of the state is impossible, because practice shows that it is impossible to make a decision that satisfies some and contradicts others - this will extremely complicate missionary and pastoral work.
- The second part of the document begins with a discussion of human labor. Any work is a creative revelation of a personality who, thanks to the original godlikeness (Adam and Eve), is capable of being a co-creator, an assistant of the Lord. However, people are deceived by the results of labor, take the glory of God for themselves and thereby move away from Him and imaginary believe that society is capable of existing in godlessness. Such thoughts always lead to tragic consequences.
- Speaking about property, the Church occupies an average position. Orthodoxy calls for it to be perceived as God's gift, which must be used for the benefit of oneself and other people. Church property is included in a special category, since it is acquired mainly through voluntary donations. Therefore, it is not subject to taxation.
The social concept is the basis for the mission of the church in the modern world - The seventh paragraph of the social concept discusses the issue of military conflicts. War is an evil, the cause of which lies in the abuse of free activity. The Church does not prohibit true Christians from participating in conflicts if it concerns the defense of the fatherland, loved ones, as well as the restoration of complete justice - then the war is called forced. The Russian Orthodox Church has great respect for warriors who gave their lives for the sake of peace in the territory of their state and demonstrated great love for friends and family through tremendous sacrifice.
- To prevent crime, the Church advises paying special attention to education and enlightenment, which follow the path of establishing true spiritual values among the masses. Orthodoxy is obliged to actively cooperate with schools, the media, and law enforcement agencies. If moral ideals do not prevail in the state, it is impossible to stop evil will in any other way. Therefore, the most effective remedy against crime is the preaching of a virtuous way of being.
- According to the Church, marriage is the only true means of procreation, following the original plan of the Creator for creation. Husband and wife are two forms of existence of one person; they need to communicate and complement each other. Marriage is not only a way to multiply the family and naturally satisfy temporary sexual needs, but also the eternal unity of a man and a woman in Christ.
Read about marriage in Orthodoxy:
- Marriage with an unbeliever and a non-believer
- Patriarchal family in Orthodoxy
- About chastity
An agreement was signed on the entry of mountainous Chechnya into Russia
Discussion: 3 comments
- Anna:
02/01/2018 at 15:17“but in general the Moscow Patriarchate does not want to denounce Sovietism and Leninism.” ———————
The Moscow Patriarchate behaves (in the person of its highest administration) completely vilely towards the people of Russia. She not only says nothing about Sovietism as such, but in every possible way welcomes its modern logical development and the victorious march in the person of Russian neo-Bolshevism.
The priests “bless” the laity to take all kinds of electronic cards; they are not against the fact that... the military would take chips. But this poses a colossal danger for both Russia and its army, since by using fairly simple techniques it will be quite easy to obtain information not only about people, their location, their financial situation, but also information that represents Russian state secrets.
Very few people try to talk about this. And even those are inaudible. Is Russia being prepared for complete capitulation to the NWO masters?
I am generally silent about the ecumenical orientation of the Moscow Patriarchate and their heresy that there is “one God” for everyone. This is complete apostasy and betrayal of Christianity.
- Alexei:
02/01/2018 at 18:32
Yes, in order to influence public and state life in the spirit of Orthodox teaching, we first need appropriate church leaders, like Patriarch Hermogenes. I will only note that before the revolution, according to Orthodox teaching, the main church figure was the Orthodox autocratic Tsar, as the head of the Church, albeit with reservations. As for the transition period to a monarchy through a national dictatorship, all this is doubtful, because First of all, the very possibility of a national dictatorship in modern conditions is doubtful. Even if we assume the impossible and such a dictatorship is established in Russia, then if such a dictatorship is capable of retaining power for a long time during the transition period and will successfully protect the people from the onslaught of the forces of evil, the question arises: why then restore the monarchy after this, for decoration? And all this rests on another issue - the spiritual blindness and deafness of the people, who for the most part are deprived of Orthodox church national identity and the ability to self-organize and resist.
- Alexei:
02/06/2018 at 12:52
Social doctrine, social concept... effective management... And about the “impression of vanity and emptiness” of the Izhevsk fathers from the Christmas readings and about “thundering all over Mother Rus'”... I remember being born in 2014. Kirill, in one of his sermons, literally stated the following: in the 19th century, the Church was deprived of the main thing - freedom! The Synod, the bishops did not have the power to speak directly with the people, but the Emperor had the power. It was literally said that in the sphere of public relations “the Church was forbidden to work, it did not address people with messages, did not call them to actions that could stop the movement of society, people and the country into the abyss of a revolutionary nightmare.” And only now, having gone through the most difficult years of persecution, the Church has gained real freedom and “for the first time, perhaps in history, our Church has acquired the ability to tell the people the truth, not only about a person’s personal problems, but also about social relations.” As they say, no comments, just no words.
Orthodoxy and law
Over the two-thousand-year history, the church and the state have developed a variety of methods of interaction, which ranged from the complete subordination of the secular ruler to the primate to the deprivation of the church of even a minimal level of self-government, as was the case in Peter’s Russia, when the church was subordinate to the ruler of the country.
In the modern world, each state has its own rules regulating the boundaries of church self-government and the financing of church organizations. In some countries, Christian communities independently finance their activities; in others, church organizations are financed through a system of government orders to carry out socially important work.
However, in any case, in all European countries, except the Vatican, the church is separated from the state, and the secular character of the European republics is not subject to revision, despite the significant percentage of the Christian population in them.
