How did the Russian Orthodox Church fare under Lenin and Stalin?

The Russian Orthodox Church faced severe persecution and repression under Lenin and Stalin's regimes.

Under Lenin's rule, the Russian Orthodox Church was subjected to a policy of state atheism. The Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, saw religion as the 'opium of the people', a tool of oppression that needed to be eradicated for a truly socialist society to emerge. The Church was stripped of its legal status and properties, including many of its magnificent cathedrals and monasteries, were confiscated or destroyed. Clergy were often arrested, exiled or executed, and religious education was banned. The Church was effectively driven underground.

The situation did not improve under Stalin. Initially, there was a brief period of respite during the Second World War when Stalin sought the Church's help to boost national morale. However, this was short-lived. After the war, Stalin resumed the policy of state atheism with renewed vigour. The Church was subjected to a systematic campaign of repression. Thousands of churches were closed, and many more clergy were arrested and sent to labour camps. The Church was allowed to exist, but only as a shadow of its former self, tightly controlled by the state and used as a tool of propaganda.

The Russian Orthodox Church's survival during this period is a testament to its resilience and the deep-rooted faith of its followers. Despite the relentless persecution, the Church managed to maintain a presence, albeit a severely diminished one, and continued to provide spiritual guidance to its followers. However, the impact of Lenin and Stalin's policies was profound and long-lasting. The Church was left weakened and marginalised, its influence greatly reduced.

In conclusion, the Russian Orthodox Church faced a period of intense persecution under Lenin and Stalin. Stripped of its legal status, properties and many of its clergy, the Church was driven underground and its influence greatly diminished. Despite this, it managed to survive, demonstrating the resilience of the institution and the enduring faith of its followers.