The funeral of Russian opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny took place at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in southern Moscow, showcasing the complex relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and political dissent.
Navalny, a devout Orthodox Christian, found solace in his faith despite his opposition to President Vladimir V. Putin’s conservative and nationalist views. His funeral ceremony, attended by his parents and other relatives, highlighted the struggle of progressive believers to reconcile their faith with political dissent.
Notably absent from the funeral were Navalny’s widow, Yulia Navalnaya, and their children, who now live outside of Russia. Yulia has vowed to continue her husband’s political activities, putting herself at risk of arrest.
The Russian Orthodox Church has aligned itself with Putin’s policies, including the invasion of Ukraine, which Navalny strongly opposed. While some priests have voiced opposition to the war, they have faced repercussions from church authorities and even arrest.
The church where Navalny’s funeral took place has shown support for the war, organizing donations and letter-writing campaigns for soldiers. This stance reflects the broader trend of militarization in Russian society, exemplified by the grand Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces.
Navalny’s funeral serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between faith, politics, and dissent in modern Russia, where individuals like Navalny must navigate conflicting allegiances and ideologies.
