Patriotism as Worldly Asceticism: The Role of Sports and Martial Arts in the Activities of Orthodoxy-Based Groups
https://doi.org/10.22394/2073-7203-2024-42-3-274-296
Abstract
The authors focus on how faith‑based groups, either affiliated with the Church, or those whose connection to Orthodoxy may be uncertain, provide patriotic education primarily through paramilitary activities and instruction in martial arts (sports). The article seeks to answer the question: why faith‑based groups are increasingly interested in military‑ patriotic education and why this education is predominantly implemented through activities like sports and martial arts. The authors posit that patriotic activity serves not only as a means of obtaining financial support, but also as a way to legitimize the existence of groups that may be in conflict with the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Patriotic education also reflects faith‑based groups’ intention to return to the ritualistic origins of sport and other physical practices, presenting them as a form of worldly asceticism. The article is based on a close‑up study of the former Pokrov Fraternity (Perm), the Center “Spas” (Obninsk), and the all‑Russian movement “Sorok Sorokov”, not being limited to them.
Keywords
grassroots patriotism,
military-patriotic education,
Orthodoxy and martial arts,
Orthodoxy and sports,
faith-based NCO,
Sorok Sorokov
Supporting agencies: The research was partly as part of the state-funded research project «Multilevel Politics in the Modern World: Institutional and Sociocultural Dimensions» (theme No. 124021400020-6), covering Sections One and Three and the Conclusion, authored by S. V. Ryazanova, and beyond the state-funded research project, covering Sections Two and Four and the Introduction, authored by A. V. Mitrofanova.
About the Authors
S. V. Ryazanova
Institute of Humanitarian Research, Perm Federal Research Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Svetlana V. Ryazanova — Leading Research Fellow
Perm
A. V. Mitrofanova
Institute of Sociology — Branch of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Anastasia V. Mitrofanova — Professor, Leading Research Fellow
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Ryazanova S.V., Mitrofanova A.V. Patriotism as Worldly Asceticism: The Role of Sports and Martial Arts in the Activities of Orthodoxy-Based Groups. State, Religion and Church in Russia and Worldwide. 2024;42(3):274-296. https://doi.org/10.22394/2073-7203-2024-42-3-274-296
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