Table of Contents
What happened to the Orthodox Church during the Soviet Union?
During the first five years of Soviet power, the Bolsheviks executed 28 Russian Orthodox bishops and over 1,200 Russian Orthodox priests. Many others were imprisoned or exiled. Believers were harassed and persecuted. Most seminaries were closed, and the publication of most religious material was prohibited.
What happened to the Russian Orthodox Church after the revolution?
Russian revolution After a few months of political turmoil, the Bolsheviks took power in October 1917 and declared a separation of church and state. The government seized all church lands. Thus the Russian Orthodox Church found itself without official state backing for the first time in its history.
How many Soviets were executed?
According to official statistics, during World War II, Soviet tribunals convicted more than 2.5 million Soviet citizens, condemned 472,000 for “counter-revolutionary activity,” and executed 217,000.
What do Russian Orthodox believe about death?
Once a person dies, Russian tradition states that the person’s soul will linger for up to 40 additional days on Earth. For those who have suffered from a “bad” death, the soul is stuck on the mortal plane for even longer. After a death occurs in the family, people cover their mirrors and stop the clocks in the home.
How many Soviets died in Stalingrad?
Axis casualties during the Battle of Stalingrad are estimated to have been around 800,000, including those missing or captured. Soviet forces are estimated to have suffered 1,100,000 casualties, and approximately 40,000 civilians died. The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the deadliest battles in World War II.
What is the Russian custom when someone dies?
Do Russian Orthodox believe in cremation?
Cremation — the practice of burning the body after death — is considered inconsistent with Orthodox doctrine. The Orthodox Church looks to the origins of Christianity and early burial practices among the faithful in this position.