Recovery and Construction of Churches in the Ardatov Diocese in 2011–2021

Introduction. Qualitatively new changes in relations between the state and the church in Russia and Mordovia began during the period of perestroika and socio-economic transformation of the 1990s. One of the manifestations of this process is the gradual return of buildings belonging to the Church in the past and the construction of new churches. Results and Discussion. Over the decade, the Ardatov Diocese of the Mordovian Metropolitanate passed the eventful path of formation and development. Today it conducts active spiritual, social, charitable and educational activities, restores the lost and erects new churches and monasteries. At the beginning, in a significant part of the parishes, the service was carried out in churches that were not restored after many years of destruction, in equipped houses of worship, in adapted premises. The task of restoring, repairing the facades and interiors of old churches with the status of objects of cultural heritage of federal and regional significance was urgent. Many forces and resources for the implementation of this goal are applied by the clergy, clergy and parishioners of the Ardatov Diocese. In the diocese has been actively building new churches, and in small parishes – Orthodox chapels. Conclusion. The diverse socially significant activities of the Ardatov Diocese and the Russian Orthodox Church as a whole testify not only to the revival of the traditions of Orthodox spirituality itself, but also to the positive role of the Church in the processes of harmonizing social relations, in strengthening political and economic stability in the country.