INTERACTION OF RUSSIAN ORTHODOX AND ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN 40- 60 YEARS OF THE XX CENTURY

Abstract

The end of the Second World War had an impact on the development of relations between the Russian Orthodox and the Catholic Churches. The division of spheres of influence in Europe affected the interests of Catholics, who began to strengthen the Uniate movement in the East. In these circumstances, the USSR began to use actively the Russian Orthodox Church to develop diplomatic relations with Western countries. The Russian Orthodox Church insisted on the creation of World Council of Churches. This idea was supported by the Anglican Church. As a result, in 1948, the World Council of Churches (WCC) was created. Issues of interaction between the Russian Orthodox and Catholic churches were discussed at the Second Vatican Council.