Anti-Semitism, Discrimination or Humanism? Position of the Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Towards Jews

Abstract

The article highlights the views of prominent Russian Orthodox Church hierarchy for the Jewish people. Specified on the causes and characteristics charges Jews in changing attitudes towards Jesus Christ from the standpoint of Scripture and explaining Metropolitan Anthony. The article followed Bishop belonging to the Black Hundreds organizations, foundations, principles of their activities and views on the Jewish question. These basic ideas concerning the causes of restricting the rights of the Jewish people, and are examples of metropolitan public appeals to the public to prevent the spread of anti-Semitism and pogroms. The author reflects the Metropolitan's thoughts on the place that Jews can occupy in society. The analysis of the Metropolitan's activities, his statements and attitudes toward the Jewish population has led to the publication's findings, which highlight Metropolitan Anthony's figure as rather contradictory and his views on Jewry polar. He is a follower of imperial politics in the vision of the limited place and role of Jews in society, and considers it a natural and just phenomenon, while in line with the general policy of the state and the indulgence of existing stereotypes. As a clergyman who, imbued with Christian values, served his congregation, he guarded his wards, condemning the violence in their direction. At the same time, the Metropolitan did not manifest itself as an outspoken anti-Semite and did not proclaim on behalf of the church calls for such action.