The economic situation of orthodox parishes in Krasnodar territory in the 1950s

The study described the religious life in Krasnodar Territory in the 1950s. In the above-mentioned period, there were the revival of church life and a surge in religiosity in the USSR society. This was evident in the citizens’ participation in the religious holidays and Orthodox rites. Baptism was the most popular ceremony; the religious wedding was less common rite. The statistics showed an increase in the number of believers. The economic power of the Orthodox Church was growing. The increased rate of incomes of the church parishes in Krasnodar Territory was presented. Most income was derived from the sale of religious objects and candles as well as voluntary donations. This research was based on the documents on the Authorized Council for the Russian Orthodox Church Affairs of the Council of Ministers of the USSR in Krasnodar Territory. In the late 1950s, the state changed its tax legislation in regard to the Russian Orthodox Church Affairs, thereby exerting financial pressure on the church to undermine its material base.