Expansion of the russian orthodox church: new parish to open in Abu Dhabi
The russian orthodox church will open its religious community in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
▫️ The roc stated that the decision to establish the community and build a church was made following appeals from “russian-speaking orthodox believers” residing in the Emirati capital.
▫️ The expansion of the roc’s presence abroad is taking place amid moscow’s active foreign policy strategy in the countries of the Global South. Church structures are systematically used by the kremlin as instruments of “soft power” to form communities connected with russia.
▫️ Church communities may become platforms for consolidating russian-speaking “compatriots” or local residents with pro-russian views. Through such communities, informal networks of contacts are formed, which may later be used to promote kremlin interests.
Thus, the development of church infrastructure abroad is not only a religious activity. It also fits into russia’s strategy to expand its influence in the countries of the Global South.
