PROTECTION OF TRADITIONAL VALUES IN FOREIGN POLICY OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC AND RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCHES

This article studies the external activities of the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church at the sites of international organizations for the protection of traditional values. The authors analyze the foreign policy of the Churches in the context of their impact on the improvement of the spiritual and political climate of the continent and the role of Russia as one of the centres of power. The article explores the notable "case of Lautsi against Italy",and proves that the positive outcome of this trial in the European Court of human rightswas achieved thanks to the interference of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.At the same time, the inability to overcome the secularattack of eurobureaucracy only through efforts of the Roman Catholic Church indicates a significant change in the balance of political forces in Europe.The views of Italian politicians, academics and representatives of the clergy, cited in the study, unequivocally accentuate the crucial role of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church behind the winningin this high-profile trial.This fact reflects the increasing international political influence of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church.In conclusion, the authors emphasize the importance of the work of the Christian Churches, focused on the preservation of the European continent as a cultural and civilizational community.

Roman Catholic Church, Russian Orthodox Church, European Union, European Court of human rights