Instrumentalizing orthodoxy: The Orthodox Church as an instrument of Russia’s foreign policy in the black sea region

• Tengiz Pkhaladze

This article examines how the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) functions as an instrument of Russia’s foreign policy in the Black Sea region. Although Russia is constitutionally secular, the Moscow Patriarchate operates as a strategic partner of the Kremlin, advancing its geopolitical agenda through religious diplomacy, propaganda, and cultural influence. The analysis situates the ROC within the Russian state system and highlights its role in promoting the Russkiy mir (“Russian World”) ideology, intervening in the religious affairs of neighboring states, and legitimizing Russia’s actions in occupied territories. Case studies from Ukraine and Georgia reveal the ROC’s silence on cultural destruction, its violation of canonical norms, and its association with paramilitary groups. In the Balkans, appeals to Orthodox “brotherhood” have reinforced Moscow’s influence, while para-religious organizations spread anti-Western narratives. The ROC also leverages international organizations to amplify Kremlin rhetoric under the pretext of defending religious freedom. The findings show that the Church has become an integral element of Russia’s hybrid strategy, with significant implications for regional and European security.

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