Orthodox communities of Donetsk region under the Soviet regime (1920s–1980s): the evolution of legalization and activity restriction mechanisms

The purpose. This study aims to analyse the evolution of Soviet policy towards Orthodox communities in the Donetsk region, focusing on its legal, administrative, and repressive aspects from the 1920s to the 1980s. Special attention is given to the mechanisms of state control, the process of registration, and the restrictions imposed on religious organizations within the broader context of church-state relations. Scientific novelty. The article systematizes and summarizes archival materials that provide insights into the specifics of Soviet policy regarding Orthodox communities in the Donetsk region. The study examines the legal framework for the registration and functioning of religious communities, the mechanisms of repression, and the role of the church in the region’s social life. Particular emphasis is placed on the differences in Soviet religious policy across various historical periods – from the NEP era to Khrushchev’s anti-religious campaigns and the transformations of the late Soviet period. Originality of the research. This study is based on previously unexplored archival documents that offer a fresh perspective on the scale of restrictions imposed on Orthodox communities in the Donetsk region. The analysis of Soviet legal regulations and their practical implementation enhances the understanding of religious policy in a regional context. The findings contribute to a more nuanced view of the Soviet government’s approaches to controlling religious life, enriching the broader discourse on state-church relations in the USSR. Conclusions. The analysis of Soviet policy towards Orthodox communities in the Donetsk region reveals a multi-layered system of control that combined legal, administrative, and repressive mechanisms. Although religious communities were officially permitted to operate, their activities were systematically restricted. Despite political pressure, Orthodox communities continued to exist, adapting to shifts in state policy and social conditions.