Patriotism as Worldly Asceticism: The Role of Sports and Martial Arts in the Activities of Orthodoxy-Based Groups

Abstract

The authors focus on how faith-based groups, either affiliated with the Church, or those whose connection to Orthodoxy may be uncertain, provide patriotic education primarily through paramilitary activities and instruction in martial arts (sports). The article seeks to answer the question: why faith-based groups are increasingly interested in military patriotic education and why this education is predominantly implemented through activities like sports and martial arts. The authors posit that patriotic activity serves not only as a means of obtaining financial support, but also as a way to legitimize the existence of groups that may be in conflict with the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Patriotic education also reflects faith-based groups' intention to return to the ritualistic origins of sport and other physical practices, presenting them as a form of worldly asceticism. The article is based on a close-up study of the former Pokrov Fraternity (Perm), the Center "Spas" (Obninsk), and the all-Russian movement "Sorok Sorokov", not being limited to them.