Orthodox Clergy About the Bolshevik and Nazi Types of Socialism (1930-1940S)
The article considers and analyzes the perception of the Bolshevik and Nazi regimes by the Orthodox clergy, their policy towards the Church, as well as the essence of anti-Christian doctrines. The starting point of the study is 1927 and the release of the infamous “declaration of loyalty” by Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky). In addition to further discussion about the possibility of recognizing Soviet power and solidarity with its policy of the Orthodox clergy, the article raises the question of the limits of support for political regimes that aim to combat religion. The period of the Great Patriotic War is subjected to special consideration, when many bishops and priests revised their views on the communist system in the Soviet Union, both due to the political situation and due to the transformation of their own opinion. Also, a polar view of the clergy on German National Socialism arose, depended on being on one side or the other of the front.