Church in war and peace: social and patriotic activities of the Russian Orthodox Church during the special military operation

Updating social, spiritual, ideological and patriotic activities of the Russian Orthodox Church takes place in the most dramatic periods of Russian history; in particular, those associated with military conflicts, which the Russian state was often involved in. At present, the appeal to historical memory - one of the key factors in the formation of identity, continuity of cultural heritage and tradition of the people - is updated by the special military operation started in 2022 and the need for solidarization of society. In this context, the experience of the Russian Orthodox Church in her patriotic service to the Fatherland, in social and charitable assistance to soldiers and refugees, as well as army - Church interaction seems relevant both for strengthening the moral and psychological state of the RF Armed Forces at present, and for uniting the society. Comparative-historical research makes it possible to consider the formation of specific trends of charitable and patriotic activities of the Russian Orthodox Church at the present time, as tested by time and historical experience of social ministry of believers during the wars of the 20th century’s national history. In addition, the context of insufficient comprehensive study of the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church during the period of the special military operation makes the analytical research method of this topic also extremely important.