ROCOR

ROCOR, an acronym for "Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia," refers to a group of Orthodox Christian jurisdictions that emerged in the early 20th century following the Russian Revolution of 1917. These churches were formed by Russian Orthodox clergy and laypeople who fled the Soviet Union, seeking to preserve the traditional faith and liturgical practices of the Russian Orthodox Church amid persecution under communist rule.

The origins of ROCOR trace back to 1920 when Metropolitan Sergius of Moscow issued a decree urging clergy to cooperate with the Bolshevik government, a move that alienated many who opposed the Soviet regime. Those who refused to comply, including figures like Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky), formed the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Initially centered in Serbia, ROCOR later expanded to other countries, including the United States, Europe, and South America, as waves of Russian émigrés settled abroad.

ROCOR maintained its independence from the Moscow Patriarchate, which it considered compromised by its alignment with Soviet policies. The church preserved pre-revolutionary liturgical traditions, including the use of the Julian calendar for liturgical purposes until 1988, when it transitioned to the Gregorian calendar in line with other Orthodox jurisdictions. Its canonical territory historically included all Russian Orthodox Christians outside Soviet-controlled areas, though its influence declined as Soviet restrictions eased and Russian Orthodox communities abroad gradually reintegrated with the Moscow Patriarchate.

Throughout its history, ROCOR has faced internal divisions, including schisms over issues such as the ordination of bishops and relations with other Orthodox churches. In 2007, ROCOR and the Moscow Patriarchate reached a historic agreement on full canonical communion, though ROCOR retained its autonomy. Today, ROCOR operates as a self-governing church within the broader Orthodox communion, continuing to serve Russian-speaking Orthodox communities worldwide while upholding its distinct traditions.