«Symphony» in the context of church-state interaction in modern Russia

Current trends in Russian political and social life are directly influenced by transformational processes that have arisen under the influence of a number of geopolitical factors and domestic political realities. The position of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as an influential social institution plays a key role in this context. Church-state relations, representing a diverse set of forms and types manifested in all spheres of public life, express the state of the socio-political space. The current stage of development of interaction between the two institutions is often viewed in the context of a «symphonic» type of relationship. Top Russian officials, senior hierarchs of the Orthodox Church, and public figures have stated that close ties, expressed in close cooperation, have been established between the ROC and the state. This phenomenon not only influences socio-political processes but also demonstrates the value vector of Russia’s development. The purpose of the study is to characterize church-state interaction at the current stage as a political phenomenon. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of the positions of the Church and state on the issue of establishing a «symphony» and provides assessments from authoritative experts in the field of church-state relations. Specifically, it examines B.K. Knorre’s work, «Russian Orthodoxy: Post-Secular Institutionalization in the Space of Power, Politics, and Law.» In it, the author thoroughly analyzes the current state of church-state relations, paying particular attention to the institutional aspects of cooperation. Knorre’s study introduces the term «sovereign-Orthodox project,» which comprehensively interprets the current stage of church-state dialogue. Patriarch Kirill, who succeeded Alexy II, became the main actor in the ideological changes within the Russian Orthodox Church. Metropolitan John (I.M. Snychev), in his work «Overcoming the Time of Troubles,» presents the position of the orthodox part of the Orthodox Church. In his understanding, Russian power is incapable of functioning without a religious component, which the Russian Orthodox Church fosters in Russia. According to the hierarch, divine law is primary; it is on its basis that secular laws exist. One of the most authoritative researchers of church-state relations, D.V. Uzlaner, in his work «The Post-Secular Turn: How to Think About Religion in the 21st Century,» identifies key trends and aspects of the interaction between church and state institutions. According to D.V. Uzlaner, this cooperation has been transformed, which is manifested through the prism of public life by the Church’s growing influence and its expanding role in the country’s socio-political life. The combination of these interpretations confirms the relevance of the «symphony» theme in the context of church-state relations. Clearly, the interaction between the state and the leading religious actor primarily influences the socio-political sphere, shapes the ideological landscape of Russian society, and expresses significant value foundations.