Today, the resurgent Russian Orthodox Church stands at the heart of Vladimir Putin’s vision for Russian identity. It serves to amplify Kremlin policies both domestically and on the global stage. Its emphasis on conservatism, patriotism, and family values not only bolsters Putin’s enduring popularity in Russia, but also illuminates his expansive geopolitical ambitions. Grasping this church-state symbiosis after the fall of the Soviet Union, is essential to decoding modern Russia’s cultural and political revival.