During the event, we looked at how restrained religiousness in the Soviet Union contributed to the sudden growth of interest in new forms of spiritual expression. The key point in this process was the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rejection of the previously existing social order, as well as existing cults and the ubiquitous shamanism.

“Russian spirituality has always been and still remains very complex. It includes elements of sanctity and madness, as well as Christianity and shamanism. As an example of the combination of madness and religiosity, I can mention Russian God’s Fools who appeared in Russia in the 16th century. Educated people in the spirit of the Enlightenment considered God’s Fools to be insane. One the other hand, God’s Fools were also venetrated and respected by a large part of Russian society, who believed they maintained contact with the supernatural world. Another very important figure in the spiritual world of Russians was and still is a Shaman,” said Katarzyna Pasternak PhD, during the meeting.

The complexity of Russian spirituality was a significant element in its revival. Alongside the long-dominant Orthodox believers, enthusiasts of new religious movements began to appear, usually with random figures in the lead, claiming spiritual revelation.

The emergence of new charismatic leaders coincided with political and social changes, resulting in thousands of followers flocking to these spiritual leaders. One such figure was Sergey Torop, the founder of the Church of the Last Testament, who proclaimed himself a prophet and the reincarnation of Jesus.

“Sergey Toropa experienced a revelation while riding a trolleybus in the 90s. Since then, he began to call himself the new Jesus. What is important, at the time of the revelation, there were 14 people who considered themselves the new incarnation of Jesus. However, it was Torop who captured the masses. His followers declared, most of all, the rush of positive energy, warmth, and understanding emanating from Torop,” Pasternak recounted.

To this day, there is a significant number of followers of the Church of the Last Testament. In 2020, the world was informed about the arrest of their spiritual leader.

The next meeting from the series will be held in October!

Tickets can be purchased at the Museum ticket office and online.