Church and State in a Time of Crisis: The Belarusian Orthodox Church’s Response to the 2020 Elections and Political Protests

Sergei A. Mudrov

Europe-Asia Studies, 2023, vol. 75, issue 6, 925-946

Abstract: This article analyses the response of the Belarusian Orthodox Church (BOC) to the contested presidential elections and political protests in Belarus in 2020. The victory of Alyaksandr Lukashenka with more than 80% of the vote was followed by mass protests, to which the authorities responded with violent measures. The BOC took a cautious approach, distancing itself from the political turmoil while condemning the violence. Some clergy spoke more openly, criticising the behaviour of authorities, especially the excessive use of force. Overall, the Orthodox Church in Belarus demonstrated that, even under authoritarian rule, it was able to act independently, articulating opinions and taking measures that did not conform to the official line.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1080/09668136.2023.2213420

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