FEATURES OF THE INTERACTION OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS WITH THE ARMED FORCES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Abstract

The Stalinist regime, the Soviet government, always followed the imperial principle, which no one canceled – "divide and rule." Today, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which continues to carry the Soviet legacy, dominates the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. Today, it is part of the stronghold of Russian nationalism, which is fueled by the President of the Russian Federation (RF), Vladimir Putin. The article reveals the essence, nature and forms of interaction between the Russian army and the Russian Orthodox Church. The activities of the Russian Orthodox Church on the territory of the Russian Federation were analyzed. It is emphasized that the activity of the Russian Orthodox Church has a systemic and dominant character and at the same time discriminates against other denominations. Despite the absence of an institute of military clergy, the Russian Orthodox Church is the main epicenter of ideology in the Russian army. The Russian Orthodox Church aims to be the leader of religious relations with the Russian Armed Forces and other military structures. Today, the issue of establishing a military chaplaincy institute in the Russian Federation remains unresolved. The Russian Orthodox Church is the dominant religion in the Russian Federation. Therefore, when creating the institute of military chaplaincy, the Russian Orthodox Church will become the leader from among other religions. According to many opponents (representatives of Muslims, Catholics, Protestants), the introduction of the institution of military clergy contradicts the principle of a secular state and entails the clericalization of the army. Opponents of such a close relationship are also the Orthodox Old Believers and the non-religious part of the Russian army. In the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, there are church tendencies that are dangerous for democracy. Among the military personnel of the Russian Orthodox Church, the MP cultivates great-power chauvinism, religious xenophobia, and hatred of adherents of a non-Orthodox denomination. The purpose of the article is to reveal the peculiarities of the interaction of the Russian Armed Forces with the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious organizations, their principles and methods of work, as well as to clarify the reasons for the absence of an official institution of military chaplaincy in the Russian Federation.