Moscow Patriarchate to promote three Orthodox values in the 21st century

Moscow (AsiaNews) – The Russian Orthodox Church has come up with a “Code of Eternal Russian Values”. At the same time, Moscow Patriarch Kirill reiterates the principle of division between political and spiritual powers. Human rights groups are weary of such a code, seen as the expression of religion’s excessive interference in social life.

Presented last month by Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, head of the Synodal Department for Church and Society Relations, the proposed code is still “under discussion”. Political parties, youth groups and journalists have already addressed the issues raised by the document. Currently, it is being discussed by the Council of Orthodox Public Associations

The Synodal Department chose three core values out of a list of 14 on which society should base itself in the 21st century. They are faith, freedom and patriotism, which, according to Archpriest Chaplin, have remained rooted in the country despite processes of modernisation.

If the first two are uncontroversial, the third one has raised eyebrows, and fed a chorus of critics who reproach the Moscow Patriarchate for flirting with the Kremlin’s nationalist policies.

Read the rest here.