According to sociological research, 57% of Russians identify as Orthodox Christians. At the same time, 11% describe themselves as Orthodox Christians despite saying they do not believe in God.

The findings are presented in a study of religious beliefs among Russians published in the journal Social and Humanitarian Knowledge, as reported by Christians Against War.

The study highlights that, according to a 2023 survey, 57% of Russians identified as Orthodox Christians. However, only 13% of respondents attended church at least once a month. Just 3–4% regularly receive Holy Communion, while 34% have never received the sacrament. Clergy members estimate that practising believers who fully observe the requirements and rituals of their religion account for no more than 2% of Russia’s population.

Another study indicates a slight increase in the proportion of people attending church frequently, defined as at least once a month. Between 2000 and 2025, this figure rose from 6% to 13%. However, the proportion of people who never attend church has remained virtually unchanged over the past 25 years, declining only slightly from 10% in 2000 to 9% in 2025.

More than half the population rarely, if ever, observes religious fasts. Of all the fasting periods examined, Great Lent is the most widely observed, with participation ranging from 4% to 6%. Other fasting periods are observed by between 0% and 2% of respondents.

Most Orthodox Christians have never read the Gospel. The proportion who read it regularly has ranged from just 1% to 2% in different years.

It was previously reported that 32% of Orthodox Russians never attend religious services, while 10% have never set foot in a church. These findings come from a survey conducted by St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University for the Humanities (PSTGU). According to that study, 65% of Russians identify as Orthodox Christians.