Opinions of Moscow and Moscow region priests on nationalism

In October 2011, a selection of opinions of Moscow and Moscow region clergy on the national question was published. The theme of the "Russian March" became the reason for a brief survey of religious figures.

Archpriest Alexy Novichkov, rector of the Tikhvin Church in Dushonovo near Moscow, believes that "the appearance in Russia of a mass movement for the revival of the ideals of Russian culture and the rise of Russian national self-consciousness is inevitably led by the very circumstances of our time." At the same time, in his opinion, it is very important that this movement "is not used against the Russian people."

Hegumen Nikon (Golovko), chairman of the Publishing Council of the Donskoy Monastery, is convinced that nationalists should create their own political party and take a more active position.

Priest Ilya Shugaev recalls that "the normal expression of patriotism is quite worthy of public attention," but one must remember that "healthy patriotism will never be built on humiliation or insult to other nations."

Archpriest Alexander Saltykov, rector of the Church of the Resurrection in Kadashi, is sure that in a multinational country there should be “a titular nation that unites all the peoples living in the country around itself,” however, it should “not press down, but unite”.

Archpriest Andrey Spiridonov, cleric of the Annunciation Church in Petrovsky Park, believes that “representatives of nationalist organizations should not be driven underground”, “it is necessary to legally streamline the activities of such movements and provide them with opportunities to express their position.” In his opinion, this will help to extinguish the activity of "passionate personalities from the underground."

Priest Dimitry Lin, cleric of the Church of St. Nicholas on the Three Mountains, is convinced that Russians "have retained a sense of national unity, instilled in Soviet times, but no one knows what it is today." In his opinion, to fill this feeling with meaning should be "some kind of solidarity around one's idea, history, culture, the Orthodox Church." The priest offers young nationalists "to enlighten not with the help of prohibitions", but through "acquaintance with Russian history and spiritual and cultural nourishment."

Sources

• Priests about the Russian march and legal nationalism // Regions.ru. 2011. October 6th. http://www.regions.ru/news/2375668/ Priests on the ban on the "Russian march" // Regions.ru. 2011. October 12.