Introduction

The Russian Orthodox Church faced significant challenges during the Soviet period. Despite being an era of atheism, the Church managed to survive through a combination of strategic cooperation and the unwavering faith of its believers. This article explores how Russian Orthodoxy overcame these adversities and the role of both faith and political accommodation.

Survival Through Faith and Cooperation

The survival of Russian Orthodoxy in the face of the Soviet regime can be attributed to the resilience and faith of the believers, as well as the Church's strategic cooperation. The end of the Romanov dynasty in 1917 marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for the Church, which saw the conversion of the country to atheism and the suppression of religious practices.

One of the pivotal moments in the relationship between the Church and the Soviet state occurred in 1943, when Archbishop Pyotr Makarychev negotiated an unofficial concordat with Stalin. This agreement allowed the Church to return to some of its previous functions, which was crucial for the continuity of religious practices.
A famous anecdote illustrates the change in Stalin's approach during this period. After a period of silence, Stalin addressed the nation, using the more traditional "Brothers and Sisters" instead of "Comrades," signaling a shift in his rhetoric and a tacit acknowledgment of the Church's role.

On a daily basis, priests and bishops had to navigate the challenges posed by an atheistic state. Their survival strategy often involved making minor accommodations, such as working with the authorities and balancing their spiritual duties with the practical necessities of maintaining open churches and liturgies. These sacrifices were deemed worth it to keep faith alive and ensure the ongoing traditions of their communities.

Government Policies and Church Response

The Soviet Union's policies towards religion were marked by inconsistency and periods of moderation. For instance, during World War II, there was a temporary thaw in the relationship between the Church and the state, as seen in Stalin's concordat. However, this was a strategic move, as the Church played a significant role in moral and spiritual support for the soldiers and the populace.

By the time of Khrushchev, the Church faced one of its darkest periods. The number of operating churches was drastically reduced to under 50, and thousands of priests were killed or imprisoned. Yet, it was the unshakeable faith of the Russian people that sustained the Church, as religious practices and traditions were passed on in the privacy of homes.

During the height of Soviet rule, the Church was effectively reduced to a service organization, providing sacraments and other religious services to the state and the people. While the Church did not regain its former political power, it continued to serve its communities in a limited capacity. The Soviet Union professed freedom of religion, making complete eradication of religious beliefs undesirable. The limited official religious services provided a balance between religious practice and state control.

Some clergymen were even co-opted by the state, becoming KGB assets and reporting on suspicious activities among other believers. This strategy allowed the state to monitor religious groups and prevent organized resistance, while maintaining the facade of religious freedom.

Conclusion

The survival of Russian Orthodoxy during the Soviet period was a testament to the enduring faith of its believers and the Church's strategic cooperation with the state. The Church's ability to adapt and persist through adversity is a remarkable story of resilience in the face of oppression. While the Church did not regain its former political power, it continued to play a significant role in Russian life, serving as a source of spiritual and communal support for generations of believers.