A merger of pagan and Christian principles in folk orthodoxy

The paper deals with the merger of polytheistic religion and monotheistic one. Such terms as ‘folk religion’, ‘folk Christianity’, ‘folk Orthodoxy’, and ‘paganism’ are defined. The research outlines the relationship between dual faith and folk Christianity from the perspective of leading Russian scientists. The study illustrates the fusion of several saints and pagan deities, which is typical of folk Christianity. The paper notes certain Russian and Slavic rites that demonstrate the interaction of paganism with Christianity. It shows the role of Orthodox rites in people’s consciousness as well. The study reveals the pattern in merging the pagan and Christian principles and the cultural importance of such a merger in reconstructing traditional beliefs.