COVID-19 and the Russian Orthodox Church

The global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has affected in nuanced ways variousreligious niches and subcultures. This article explores some reactions to thepandemic as they have been developed and articulated in the Russian OrthodoxChurch. These reactions are diverse and often not public. On the upper levelof the church’s leadership, the official standpoint of the Russian hierarchy isusually coherent with the official policies of the Russian state. On the lowerlevels, lay persons, priests, and even bishops often disobey the official line andpropagate opposition to the anti-COVID-19 measures