On the Issue of the Religious and Cultural Identity of Russian Protestantism.

Fokin's primary scholarly interests include culture of religious movements in the USSR, history of Protestantism in the USSR, and Protestant culture in the USSR. In addressing patriotism and Protestantism, it should be remembered that all Protestant denominations in Russia and the countries of the former USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) are part of international Protestant organizations. The most authoritative Protestant denominations, after consolidating and fortifying interfaith ties and cooperation, are now capable of large-scale social partnership relations with state institutions, thereby making a significant contribution to the improvement of the moral atmosphere in society and the formation of high standards of business ethics and labor relations among Russian citizens.[10] The History of Western Protestantism in Russia The first Protestants appeared in Russia by the 1520s, as Protestantism spread in Europe. Under these new conditions of existence, with intensive processes of contact and interaction among various religious and cultural traditions in Russia, Protestants believe their presence poses no danger to the preservation of Russia's cultural and religious identity; to the contrary, they believe a Protestant presence can be mutually enriching and mutually beneficial for everyone. [Extracted from the article]