Clergy on nationalism

On November 14, 2011, the opinions of the clergy on nationalism were published. Journalists turned to Moscow priests with the question: “ Is the growth of support for ultra-right and populist parties and movements dangerous these days? Will this process affect Russia? ".

Archpriest Dimitry Smirnov, Rector of the Church of St. Mitrofaniya of Voronezh, believes that the growth of nationalism is a natural protest of state policy. “ The government is established by big capital, which needs cheap labor,” he is convinced. - And the indigenous population will always experience discomfort when ethnic proportions are violated. After all, we are talking about ousting the main ethnic group from the country in order to please big capital. Under this, relevant laws are adopted, certain ideas are suggested. <...> He [the government - approx. ed.] do not care about people, ecology and national culture. Naturally, people protest .”

Archpriest Andrei Spiridonov, cleric of the Church of the Annunciation in Petrovsky Park, considers the growth of nationalism "a completely natural worldwide process" since " the policy of multiculturalism and tolerance has exhausted itself ."

The growth of nationalism in Russia, in his opinion, is facilitated by "internal problems [of the state] and post-imperial views on life, which are increasingly manifesting today." The priest is convinced that " it is hardly possible to control the activities of the ultra-right, but it is quite possible to direct them in the right direction ."

Archpriest Alexander Saltykov, rector of the Church of the Resurrection in Kadashi, stressed that " everyone has the right to defend their national culture, criticize globalization, demand compliance with the rule of law by the state ."

According to Archpriest Vladislav Sveshnikov, rector of the Church of the Three Hierarchs in Kulishki, " We don't even have to talk about the social or political activity of the people ." “ In the Yeltsin era ,” he recalls, “ there were still mass rallies and demonstrations, and now the people have become lazy. And that the boys are buzzing - this, of course, is not a political movement at all, these are boyish riots, not even always having good reasons .

Hegumen Sergiy (Rybko), rector of the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit at the Lazarevsky cemetery, is convinced that the rise of nationalism " indicates the weakness of the state ." “ Until worthy people occupy government posts, tension on the national question will invariably grow and Manezhki will continue ,” he said. - I understand those who are trying to protect themselves and their loved ones with their own hands. This is quite natural, and as an Orthodox person, I cannot condemn them for this, but as a Russian nationalist, I believe that the current state of affairs is abnormal .

Sources

• Russia and the Rise of Nationalism in Europe: Opinions of the Clergy // Regions.Ru. 2011. November 14.