Ceaseless Liturgy: Orthodox Anthropology in Shaping Russian Civilizational Identity

Aim. The study aims to analyze the influence of Orthodox anthropology on the formation of Russia’s civilizational identity through the lens of educational practices from the 11th to the 21st century and to develop strategies for integrating onto-anthropological foundations into the modern educational system to address the onto-anthropological rupture caused by globalization and Westernization.

Methodology. The research employs an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing historical-philosophical reconstruction to examine the transformation of onto-anthropological foundations in Russian education from the 11th to the 21st century, based on key texts (from ancient Russian ecclesiastical books to contemporary educational standards). A civilizational-comparative analysis is applied to assess the coherence of Russian educational practices with global trends, alongside discourse analysis of institutional educational practices in historical retrospect. The method of conceptual synthesis is used to develop an integrative strategy for implementation.

Results. It is established that Orthodox anthropology, emphasizing sobornost (communal unity), self-sacrifice, and theosis (deification), serves as a constant foundation of Russian civilizational identity. Its weakening in educational practices under the influence of Westernization has led to an onto-anthropological rupture, resulting in an identity crisis and geopolitical desubjectivation. The revitalization of Orthodox anthropology in education through liturgical practices and digital formats can overcome this rupture, strengthening civilizational sovereignty.

Research implications. The theoretical significance lies in substantiating Orthodox anthropology as a systemic element of Russian civilizational identity and identifying its liturgical nature. The practical significance consists in developing recommendations for integrating onto-anthropological foundations into the educational system at all levels (preschool, school, and university) to foster a spiritual-moral foundation for personal development and to reinforce Russia’s civilizational sovereignty.

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