Eastern Christianity and the Cold War, 1945-91

Research output: Book/ReportEdited Book

Abstract

Despite widespread persecution, Orthodox churches not only survived the Cold War period but levels of religiosity in Orthodox countries remained significant. This book examines the often surprising relations between Orthodox churches and political regimes. It provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics between Eastern Christianity and politics from the end of the Second World War to the fall of communism, covering 40 Orthodox churches including diasporic churches in Africa, Asia, America and Australia. Based on research from recently-opened archives and publications in a wide range of European languages, it analyses church-state relations on both sides of the Iron Curtain. It discusses the following key themes: the relationship between Orthodox churches and political power; religious resistance to communism; the political control of churches; religion and propaganda; monasticism and theological publications; religious diplomacy within the Orthodox commonwealth; and religious contacts between East and West.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLondon (UK)
Number of pages384
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-203-86594-1, 978-1-135-23382-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Dec 2009

Publication series

NameRoutledge Studies in the History of Russia and Eastern Europe
PublisherRoutledge

Keywords

  • persecution
  • Orthodox churches
  • Cold War
  • religiosity
  • political regimes
  • Eastern Christianity
  • politics
  • Second World War
  • fall of communism
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • America
  • Australia
  • church-state relations
  • Iron Curtain

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Eastern Christianity and the Cold War, 1945-91'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • The Romanian Orthodox Church

    Leustean, L. N., 31 Jul 2014, Orthodox Christianity and Nationalism in Nineteenth-Century Southeastern Europe. Leustean, L. N. (ed.). New York (US): Fordham University Press, p. 101-163 63 p. (Orthodox Christianity & contemporary thought).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

  • Eastern Christianity and the Cold War: an overview

    Leustean, L. N., 20 Dec 2009, Eastern Christianity and the Cold War, 1945-91. Leustean, L. (ed.). London, p. 1-16 16 p. (Routledge Studies in the History of Russia and Eastern Europe; vol. 11).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

  • Other Orthodox Churches behind the Iron Curtain

    Leustean, L. N., 21 Dec 2009, Eastern Christianity and the Cold War, 1945-91. Leustean, L. (ed.). London (UK), p. 204-218 15 p. (Routledge Studies in the History of Russia and Eastern Europe; vol. 11).

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputChapter

Cite this