Mission Possible: Russian Orthodox Priest Blogs

The paper dwells on the modern phenomenon of clergy going online and exploring new audiences. empirical study conducted by author concerned activities popular Orthodox Russian-speaking bloggers whose heightening media presence is aimed at digital missionary work catechism. research was organized in accordance with theoretical framework concept communicative figurations that coined Andreas Hepp. This constructivist approach implies mediatization blurs borders between previously disentangled actors encourages growth their interactions and, thus, a tighter social reality. To embody figurations-oriented study, lays down methodological foundations are able to express nature personal practices reflections them. So, methods consisted case studies, expert field interviews, text analysis. findings can be set out following manner. Online activity networking allow wider transparency span audience. Despite stereotype politicized doxa, demand for specific niche purely catechetic priest blogging has existed decade half. Over years, work, catechism, preaching have been formed, mainly such networks as VK.com, LiveJournal, Instagram, YouTube channels. dynamic growing: blogs acquired audiences some tens thousands subscribers. It due fact offer contemporary language when addressing public purpose They attract an audience network diverse age, gender, country residence. Seeing aiming beyond conservative confines offline parish church, priests opportunity create own — reach particular generation, choose style content sermon or testimony faith. In turn, according interests preferable ways religious participation. blogger strive consolidate efforts, promote various forms faith space. central direct consequence catechism promotion image version priest‒layman interaction, both contributing church construct.