THE INFLUENCE OF ORTHODOX CULTURE ON THE FORMATION OF THE RUSSIAN IDENTITY IN STUDENTS

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to examine the specific ways Orthodox culture influences the formation of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral markers of Russian identity in students. The methodological basis of the study consisted of an analysis of literary sources, long-term (2015-2025) observation of students of an agricultural university, a sociological survey of young people (2023), and content analysis of student reviews. In the process of content analysis, categories corresponding to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral markers of Russian identity were identified. The results obtained enabled the authors to consider Orthodox Christianity and Orthodox culture as the basis of Russian identity, as well as to determine the extent and forms of students' involvement in Orthodox values. As a result of the study, it was determined that, over a long historical period, Orthodox culture has developed social practices that can have a strong socializing effect on the younger generation and, as a result, allow an individual to identify themselves with Russian national culture. The forms of initiation into Orthodox values are education through the word of a priest addressed to young people; church art and architecture; and the interaction between educational institutions and religious educational organizations. The paper demonstrates that immersive practices (excursions, dialogue with clergymen) help overcome religious nihilism, even among atheistic youth. The paper reveals the shift in values from individualism to collectivism and traditionalism among students. The key role of historical continuity and cooperation between secular and religious organizations in the educational environment of Tyumen in preserving the nation's cultural code was confirmed. The necessity of reviving the pre-revolutionary experience of interaction between church and school at the present stage is also substantiated. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the disclosure of social practices of familiarization with Orthodox culture that influence the formation of modern students' Russian identity. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of using the data obtained to develop regional programs for the spiritual and moral education of children and youth.