Dontsev, S.P. Russian Orthodox Church and the state within the political system of the modern Russia.

Abstract: The Russian Orthodox Church and its Moscow Patriarchy is undoubtedly the largest and the most influential religious organization of the modern Russia. Currently the church hierarchs are integrated into the political elite of the Russian state and interacts with many government bodies. On the other hand, the Russian Orthodox Church tries not to take open political actions. While the Church’s decisions are rather authoritative towards both the clergy and the congregation, they lack the state power elements.