Traditional orthodox values as moral guidelines when forming personal social orientation

The article analyzes traditional values of Orthodoxy as moral regulators of social activity. Their place and part in construction of a person’s desire for spiritual self-improvement and formation of a personal social orientation are studied. The article examines two types of values in Orthodox Christianity: terminal (Christocentrism, the Triune God, holiness, the Church, love, etc.) and instrumental (faith, hope, respect for personality, honesty, freedom, responsibility, etc.), taking into consideration their social significance that is the most important factor influencing the course of social and cultural development. Identified are the value foundations of church social activity (in its narrow sense meaning activity aimed at assisting people and social groups to overcome difficult life situations). Sociological study results obtained by the method of expert semi-structured interview are presented. The experts were the heads of socially oriented structural units of the Russian Orthodox Church and non-profit social organizations established with church support, as well as lecturers of social disciplines.