Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches in 1917—1945: Common Fates and Origins of the Renewal of Interfaith Relations

Abstract

The article summarizes the results of a comparative study of the situation of the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox Churches in 1917—1945. Methodologically, the research is based on the theory of the dialogue of cultures, which is necessary for understanding and evaluating the current stage of Russian-Armenian relations, understanding the role of interethnic and interreligious cooperation of both states in the post-Soviet space. The study revealed a significant similarity in the fate of the Armenian and Russian churches in the context of the unfolding anti-religious policy during the 1920s and 1930s, which was reflected in the reduction of dioceses, the closure of churches, the arrests of clergy, the emergence of church renewal structures both in the Soviet Russia and in Soviet Armenia. Both churches have gone through the stage of temporary absence of patriarchal administration; Armenian dioceses in the Soviet Russia and Orthodox churches in the Armenian SSR have actually ceased their activities. It is established which events of 1944—1945. they contributed to the resumption of inter-church ties lost in previous decades.