VTsIOM survey data on observance of religious precepts published

On March 27-28, 2010, the All-Russian Center for the Study of Public Opinion (VTsIOM) conducted a survey in 140 settlements in 42 regions, territories and republics of Russia on how many Russians observe religious precepts.

The survey showed that the majority of Orthodox believers in Russia cannot remember the religious rituals they observe (38%). A relatively small proportion of respondents indicate that they attend church (17%) and observe fasting and religious holidays (11% each). Significantly fewer believers reported that they receive the sacraments and pray (7% each), wear religious symbols (3%), keep the commandments (3%), and remember the dead (1%).

Sociologists note that compared to 2009, the proportion of respondents who cannot remember which regulations they follow has decreased from 45 to 35%. The number of people observing fasting also decreased (from 16 to 12%). The number of people reading prayers has increased (from 3 to 8%).

The survey also showed that most often followers of other Christian movements are churchgoers: in this group of respondents, the majority help at church (71%), read spiritual literature and communicate with their confessor (57% each).

Let us recall that an earliersurvey showed that the number of believers has increased compared to last year.

Sources

• There are many believers in Russia, but much fewer are churchgoers // VTsIOM website. 2010. April 5.