Andrei Kordochkin
A Blog of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University
“There may not be disagreements inside the body, but each part may be equally concerned for all the others. If one part is hurt, all the parts share its pain. And if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy.” (1 Cor. 12:25-26).
The responsibility of the Moscow Patriarchate for the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war is an obvious fact. Likewise, it is obvious that after the end of the war and the fall of Putinism, it will find itself in a deep crisis. Having identified itself with Putin’s political regimen, the Patriarchate is bound to share in the consequences of its collapse.
However, some other presumptions also look obvious. In one configuration or another, Russia will remain, and so will the community of its believers. This community, although being divided, like the Russian society itself, will largely remain a reservation, where the Putinist doctrines will be guarded and conserved.
What will be the future for the Church in the new society? Is there any other option for it, except for being an isolated leper house that has discredited itself and has no right to claim any public presence and influence?
I believe that this is not the only way possible. However, if the Church will return to what it is by its nature, it can only do so through the same doors through which it has left.
The first task for the Church is recovering the memory of itself to become what it truly is.