Sacred tactility, spatial arrangement, and microsocial practices in an orthodox cafe microcosm
Автор: Vladimir V. Plotnikov, Irina B. Chernova
Рубрика: СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ НАУКИ
Статья в выпуске: 1, 2026 года.
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The aim of this study is to analyze how sacred and everyday practices are combined at the micro-level within the space of an «Orthodox coffee shop». Using a micro-sociological approach, the study examines the organization of space, the sensory atmosphere, and the norms of behavior of visitors in this hybrid space where commercial goals intersect with missionary ones. The methodology includes participant observation and document analysis (menus, online groups of the coffee shop). The results of the theoretical analysis show that the Orthodox coffee shop creates a «third place» for the community, where secular interaction organically coexists with religious symbolism. Visitors adapt their behavior; familiar actions (e.g., drinking coffee) are often accompanied by micro- rituals (making the sign of the cross before eating, etc.), forming a special community atmosphere. In the space of the coffee shop, the boundaries between the sacred and the profane are blurred, and consumption (coffee, pastries) is understood as an element of religious experience. Thus, the hypothesis is confirmed that the Orthodox coffee shop functions as a «gateway» to the religious environment, lowering barriers to participation in church life.
Orthodoxy, everyday practices, third place, cafe, religious identity, community, sacred space, mission
Короткий адрес: https://sciup.org/14134506
IDR: 14134506 | УДК: 316 | DOI: 10.24412/2220-2404-2026-1-17