Religious situation in Togliatti on the example of the Russian Orthodox Church (1988-1997)

Introduction. The article examines the religious situation and activities of Orthodox religious organizations, as well as changes in state-church relations in 1988-1997 on the example of Togliatti. The correlation between official religious policy and its concrete implementation on the ground is analyzed. The purpose of the article is to study the nature and assess the results of state-church relations in Togliatti after the adoption of the new Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1988, the USSR Law “On freedom of conscience and religious organizations” since October 1, 1990. The chronological framework of the study covers the years 1988-1997, since during this period it is possible to analyze how the church policy was carried out in this area after the adoption of the new Statute of the Russian Orthodox Church, the USSR Law “On Freedom of Conscience” conscience and religious organizations”dated October 1, 1990. Methods and materials. The purpose of the article was achieved using archival documents and materials from periodicals. The research methodology includes the method of document analysis, and when working with periodic materials, the method of synchronous comparison with documentary material was used. Analysis. In 1988, there was only 1 registered religious community in Togliatti in the name of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. In 1989-1997, it was possible to organize 7 Orthodox parishes in different districts of the city, 1 monastery, and 3 house churches. Despite the difficult times of crisis, their material base grew stronger. Since the beginning of the 90s of the 20th century, many Orthodox parishes have received serious assistance from the state and government bodies, representatives of industry, banking capital and business. Results. The article states that, despite the formal separation of religious organizations from the state, the ROC got preferences in the form of direct budgetary financing of church construction, attracting sponsorship funds through state institutions for the same temple construction, and creating charitable foundations in the center and locally.