By Father Alexander Men
When considering the Church’s role in today’s world, particularly in the Soviet Union where Orthodoxy is prevalent, we encounter a complex and unfortunate picture. This is due to a growing need for spiritual values and an understanding of faith among the people. Atheism isn’t widespread; instead, deep religious ignorance or paganism exists, yet the aspiration for spiritual matters remains. The Church responds to this aspiration, as it is the instrument of Christ, tasked with preaching and embodying His presence in the world.
Honestly reflecting on whether Christians’ presence mirrors Christ’s in the world leads to a negative answer. While some may view believers as pure light, this is a simplification. Christians often fall short of societal expectations in preaching and presence, although the Eucharist remains intact despite historical barriers.
I wouldn’t say the Church has achieved little, as God’s Kingdom progresses, but deviations from divine laws have consequences. Christ’s words about Jerusalem indicate that a nation’s spiritual state impacts its fate. The fall of Christian centers like Byzantium and the Russian Empire suggests a path of more evil than good, prompting reflection on how Russia, a bastion of Orthodoxy, became a hub of atheism.
Russia adopted Christianity a thousand years ago, embracing Byzantine traditions and facing challenges in assimilating new spiritual values. The Church had to educate the nation continuously but faced setbacks like the Tatar yoke and the rise of the Moscow Kingdom, which shifted focus towards unification and liberation efforts. The monarchy viewed Christianity as a tool for power, leading to church-state conflicts. Patriarch Nikon opposed the Church becoming a state tool, but his efforts were thwarted, culminating in Peter the Great’s reforms, which stifled the Church’s independence.
Despite the challenges, Russia’s Church produced saints, theologians, and preachers, although they often faced persecution. The Church’s role as a state institution hindered true testimony and preaching, which began reviving later. Figures like Metropolitan Anthony sought church independence in the 20th century, highlighting the dangers of coerced Orthodoxy and contributing to sectarianism’s rise.
The Church’s failures, past and present, necessitate reflection and repentance, as these issues remain relevant in our civilization. A modern writer queried how Orthodox Russia turned atheist, suggesting the Church failed in its role of preaching and testimony. As we look to the future, the Church must focus on sermonizing, finding a common language with contemporaries, bearing witness to life’s questions, and embodying God’s presence.
These tasks are vital, with no need for specific reactions to social phenomena. Christ’s timeless teachings guide us, urging us to connect with the present without being confined by it. Our mission is to testify to Christ and the Gospel, participating in His unwavering plan for humanity, benefiting society as a whole.
Source in Russian: “The Role of the Church in the Modern World” – In: Men, A. World Spiritual Culture, Publisher: Life with God; ISBN: 978-5-903612-50-7; Moscow, 2016, 272 p. // „Роль Церкви в современном мире“. – В: Мень, А. Мировая духовная культура, Издательство: Жизнь с Богом ; ISBN: 978-5-903612-50-7 ; Москва, 2016, 272 с.
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