Издательский Совет Русской Православной Церкви

From the ashes of the old Publishing Department of the Moscow Patriarchate, a new entity arose: the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church. Today, we stand before its headquarters, at 20/3 Pogodinskaya Street. The Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church, established in 1994, plays a pivotal role in shaping the literary landscape of the Russian Orthodox faith. It coordinates publishing efforts, ensuring quality and consistency across numerous religious publications. The Izdatelsky Soviet (Publishing Council) wasn’t simply conjured out of thin air. Its roots stretch back to 1913, when the Holy Synod recognized a growing need for accessible religious literature. The original Publishing Council, established then, fell victim to the tumultuous events of 1917. Yet, the idea didn’t die. In the aftermath of World War II, the church re-established a publishing arm. It operated as a near monopoly until the early 1990s. As the Soviet Union crumbled, a surge of independent Orthodox publishers emerged, creating a vibrant but somewhat chaotic literary marketplace. Order needed to be restored. The Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church was the answer. Its establishment addressed the challenges of this decentralized publishing world. The Council provides guidance to publishers. It evaluates manuscripts and assists in navigating the complexities of both ecclesiastical and secular publishing practices. Interestingly, it even reviews religious texts to ensure they align with Orthodox doctrine and teachings, a task once performed by central censorship committees. The Publishing Council publishes the “Orthodox Book Review”. It also oversees the “Journal of the Moscow Patriarchate,” offering a platform for theological discussions and scholarly articles. So, as you gaze upon this unassuming building, remember the weight of history it holds. Within these walls, the written word becomes a vessel, carrying the traditions and teachings of the Russian Orthodox Church to countless faithful readers.