Almost 70% of Russians identify as Orthodox Christians, 19% of them observe Lent - poll

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - Most Russians (68%) consider themselves Orthodox Christians, the percentage of such Russians in the 45-59 age group reaches 76%, according to a poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), which was obtained by Interfax on Wednesday.

The poll shows that 74% of Russia's women and 60% of Russia's men consider themselves Orthodox Christians.

As to the observance of Orthodox fasts, 24% of respondents who said they consider themselves Orthodox Christian said they observe them. Nineteen percent of respondents who identify as Orthodox Christians said they only observe Lent, and five percent of respondents who consider themselves Orthodox Christian said they strictly observe all Orthodox fasts. Seventy-four percent of respondents who identify as Orthodox Christians said they do not observe fasts.

Responding to a question about conduct during Lent, where respondents were allowed to choose any number of options, 50% of all Orthodox Christians said they mainly give up alcohol, 49% of respondents go to church, 47% said they give up greasy food, and 40% of respondents who said they identify as Orthodox Christians said they stop swearing, the VCIOM poll shows.

The nationwide poll was conducted on March 4, 2022. It surveys 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older.