Putin, ROC, and homophobia

The concept of “symphonia”: This Byzantine model defines a harmonious interdependence between state power (the emperor) and divine authority (the patriarch), with neither being fully subordinate to the other. In this arrangement, the state handles secular matters and the church manages divine ones. Critics argue that in modern Russia, the church has sacrificed its moral independence by aligning too closely with Kremlin power.
A tool for power: For Russia’s rulers, the historical concept of Byzantine “caesaropapism”—where the emperor was also head of the church—justified absolute authority. After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Moscow’s rulers claimed the mantle of the “Third Rome” and the heir to the Roman Empire, adopting the title “Tsar” (from Caesar) to cement their power. Today, this tradition helps legitimize Putin’s ambition to restore Russian dominance. [4, 5, 6]

Putin and Kirill’s alliance

Mutual support: Patriarch Kirill has been a vocal and long-time supporter of President Putin, even calling Putin’s rise to power a “miracle of God”. In return, Putin has provided the Russian Orthodox Church with significant state support, increased media visibility, and the return of state assets.
Weaponizing religion: As political allies, Putin and Kirill present their combined vision of a culturally rooted Russia standing against a “decadent” and “sinful” West. During the war in Ukraine, Kirill has framed the conflict as a “metaphysical struggle” against “evil forces,” providing a spiritual justification for the invasion. [1, 7, 8, 9]

The common thread of homophobia

State-sanctioned homophobia: Both Putin and Kirill have publicly condemned homosexuality, with their views aligning with a broader political and religious campaign to promote “traditional values”. Key actions include:

“Gay Propaganda” laws: Russia first passed a law in 2013 banning the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors, later expanded in 2022 to apply to all citizens.
Constitutional ban on same-sex marriage: In 2020, Russia amended its constitution to define marriage exclusively as a heterosexual union.
“Extremist” designation: In 2023, the Supreme Court labeled the “international LGBT public movement” as an “extremist organization,” effectively criminalizing LGBTQ+ activism and simple expressions of solidarity, like displaying a rainbow flag.

Psychological and political role: The focus on homophobia serves several purposes for the Putin-Kirill alliance: