Russia is a country of rich history and unique culture formed by a multitude of peoples and traditions. Different religions have crossed its vast territories since olden times, leaving a trace in architecture, language, holidays and everyday life. In these lands, Buddhism neighbors Islam, Orthodox churches rise next to mosques, and ancient pagan traditions are seamlessly woven into folk customs. For several centuries, followers of different faiths have coexisted here in harmony, shaping the multifaceted identity of the country.
Today, people of various nationalities and religions live, study and work peacefully in Russia. They do not need special conditions or explanations — neighborliness with representatives of other cultures is natural here. A Buddhist monk in the Moscow subway or international students in Arab, African or Indian national clothing walking the city streets are everyday sights that draw little attention. This religious and cultural diversity is perceived as an integral part of daily life in Russia.
But if you ask yourself what constitutes the spiritual basis of the country, the answer is clear. For centuries, Russian Orthodoxy has remained not only the faith of the majority but also a cornerstone of national identity. Through its lens, one can gain deeper insight into the Russian soul, its cultural traditions, and its distinct world view.
Orthodoxy
The Orthodox Church holds a central place in the history of Russia. Its roots trace back to the year 988, when the ancient state of Rus’ officially adopted Christianity. This moment marked a spiritual unification of the territories and significantly influenced the development of culture, art, and value system. Russian Orthodoxy became the foundation for shaping national identity, bringing people together around common traditions and moral principles.
The Church played a crucial role in the formation of the Russian statehood, the development of writing, and the advancement of education. It was within its walls that the earliest chronicles were written, iconography emerged, and monumental cathedrals were constructed. One of the most iconic symbols of Orthodoxy is St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square in Moscow—its colorful domes have become a global symbol of Russia. Equally important are the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the Solovetsky Monastery, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, where solemn services continue to praise Jesus Christ and the apostles.
Today, Orthodox Christians constitute the majority of the population. The religion reflects key elements of the Russian mentality: reverence for family, respect for tradition, and a deep spiritual search. The Orthodox Church is also engaged in an interfaith dialogue. In cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Old Believers, who have preserved ancient rituals, have coexisted peacefully for centuries.
Islam
Islam is the second most widely practiced religion in Russia, with over 20 million adherents who represent a significant portion of the country’s population. The presence of Islam on the territory of modern Russia dates back to the 7th–8th centuries, when the first Muslim communities emerged among the Bulgars of Volga Bulgaria. In 922, Islam was officially adopted as the state religion of Volga Bulgaria, an early medieval state located in the Middle Volga region, inhabited by Turkic-speaking peoples and known for its role as a major trade and cultural center. From there, the religion gradually spread to other regions, particularly the Volga region, the North Caucasus, Siberia, and the Urals.
Today, the largest Muslim populations are found in the Republics of Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, and Adygea. Tatarstan and Bashkortostan are major centers of Islamic culture in Russia, where Islamic religious and educational institutions are actively developing, and numerous new mosques are being built. Remarkable central places of worship include the Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan, the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, the White Mosque in Bolgar, and the Heart of Chechnya Mosque in Grozny, one of the largest mosques in Europe.
Muslims in Russia observe Ramadan, celebrate Eid al-Adha, and perform the hajj, an essential spiritual goal for every believer. In Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major cities, Islamic communities actively engage in interfaith dialogue, reinforcing the freedom of religion upheld in the country.
Buddhism in Russia
Buddhism began to spread across the territory of present-day Russia between the 10th and 13th centuries. Today, it is primarily worshiped in Buryatia, Kalmykia, Tuva, and Zabaykalsky Krai. These regions are considered to be the traditional Buddhist lands of Russia, home to ancient datsans, monasteries, and temples.
Among the most prominent Buddhist temples in Russia are the Ivolginsky Datsan in Buryatia, the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni in Elista (Kalmykia), and several monasteries in Tuva. The Ivolginsky Datsan, built in 1945, is recognized as the spiritual center of Russian Buddhism. It is also the resting place of the incorrupt body of the 12th Pandito Khambo Lama Dashi-Dorjo Itigelov, who is venerated as a saint in the Buddhist tradition.
In Buddhist regions, syncretism is widespread. It is a blending of religious practices where elements of shamanism are interwoven with Buddhist teachings. Notably, during the Soviet period, many Buddhist leaders found common ground with Russian Orthodoxy and other religious traditions. Today, Buddhist practices continue to play an important spiritual role, serving as a means of preserving the cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia.
Russian Jewish Community
Jewish communities in Russia have a centuries-old history, dating back to the Old Russian state and the Khazar Khaganate, a powerful multiethnic state that existed from the 7th to the 10th centuries in the territories of the North Caucasus and the Volga region. In the Middle Ages, Jews began to settle in the western regions of Russia, especially to Poland and Lithuania, and from the 18th century, after the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, significant Jewish communities appeared in Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova.
The largest centers of Judaism in Russia are concentrated in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Birobidzhan, Kazan and some cities of the Volga region. Synagogues, community centers, cultural and educational institutions operate in these regions. Among the most famous religious sites are the Moscow Choral Synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, opened in 1891, and the Great Choral Synagogue in St. Petersburg, built in the 19th century.
Traditional holidays are inextricably linked to Jewish culture in Russia: Passover, which commemorates the Exodus from Egypt, Hanukkah, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, and Yom Kippur, a day of repentance and purification.
Jewish communities played a significant role in the development of science, art, and business in Russia.
Shamanism
Shamanism is one of the most ancient forms of spiritual practice, still preserved among the peoples of Siberia, Yakutia, Altai, and the Russian Far East. Belief in spirits, a profound connection with nature, and the special role of shamans—individuals believed to communicate with the spirit world, ancestors, and natural forces—remain integral elements of the traditional world view of these communities.
Historically, shamanism was widespread across the territory of present-day Russia long before the arrival of the world religions. It developed in parallel with Orthodoxy, Islam, and Buddhism but, in contrast to them, it lacked a centralized structure or unified dogmatic system. The Soviet era was particularly severe on shamans: their practices were banned, and many traditions were lost. Nevertheless, shamanism is still practiced, albeit in a limited form, by Siberian peoples.
While it is not recognized as an official religion, shamanism remains an important part of the cultural heritage of the northern peoples of Russia.
Conclusion
Russia’s religious diversity is not only a peaceful coexistence of different faiths, but also a unique experience of interaction developed over many centuries. Orthodoxy, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and shamanic traditions coexist within a single state, complementing and enriching its culture, arts, and social life.
Religions influence not only the spiritual world view of Russians but are also deeply embedded in architecture, literature, music, and family traditions. They preserve historical memory, transmit universal values, and foster social cohesion. This diversity is further enhanced by the presence of more than 400,000 international students from over 200 countries who pursue high-quality and affordable higher education in Russia. The country has established a comfortable living environment for individuals from various religious backgrounds, including foreign students, coming from all over the world.
Being the leading organization in the field of international education, RACUS assists international applicants not only with university admission but also with adaptation to life in a new cultural context, where freedom of religion is regarded as a natural norm. Thanks to the support of personal managers and the tolerant attitude to adherents of different faiths, students feel at ease in Russia, integrate smoothly, and become part of a multi-religious community.
Russia remains a remarkable example of how different religions can coexist peacefully, forming a complex yet harmonious mosaic of cultural and spiritual life.
