On the Barsov society, church and canon law. Response to the article by Y. V. Ospennikov “Relevant problems of studying church law (intermediate results of the work of the Barsov society)”

The article characterizes the scientific activity of the Barsov Society from the moment of its inception. The main reasons for its high performance are highlighted. It is noted that church law as a science is in its infancy. The main problems of studying church law are considered: lack of generally accepted scientific terminology, established body of sources of church law and its principles, functioning of ecclesiastical courts, teaching church/canon law in secular and religious educational institutions, etc. The question is raised about the extent to which the Russian Orthodox Church is currently ready to accept the ideas and results of the activities of the Barsov Society. The existence of the problem of codification of the canonical law of the Russian Orthodox Church is noted. The author of the article believes that it would be useful to critically study the experience of other Orthodox churches, as well as the Roman Catholic Church, in codifying Eastern canon law.