Religion and Ethnicities in Russia I

Religion and Ethnicities in Russia I

What to know about religions in Russia? In this article, we will talk a little about religion and ethnicities in Russia For example, there are things to know about the Russian Orthodox Church or to know about Islam in Russia; both religions are very different but interesting to learn.

What to know about religions in Russia

Something that surprises Western tourists, when the first time they enter an Orthodox church in Russia, the number of representations of saints or biblical passages seen on the walls. There are people who do not know that the Orthodox Church is very similar to the Catholic Church and they share many principles and rites. Another interesting point is a lot of temples you can see in one city and even in the same block.

The constitution declares the Russian Federation as a secular state, and also officially recognizes four main religions: The Orthodox Christian, The Muslim, The Buddhist, and Judaism.

The religions in Russia are linked to the Ethnic Groups as well. So generally, Orthodox are Slavs, Muslims are Tartars, Buddhists are Mongols. and the Jews are already an ethnic group.

Usually, in other countries when we ask someone’s nationality, we understand that their religion or ethnicity does not define this fact; but in Russia, this can be confusing. By asking someone if he or she is Russi an,he or she can respond;

No, I am Tartar, and one says again:

But you were born in Russia, right?

Yes, of course, in Kazan

So, are you Russian?

No, tartar

But, what is your nationality?

Ah, I have a Russian passport.

And the Russians in the eyes of the inhabitants are one more ethnic group. For centuries the cultures at the level of the people kept them differentiated; contrary to the Russian nobility, the people were not commonly mixed among other nations or cultures.

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