Russian Orthodox Church as the actor of modern politics of memory: the canonization discourse

On the basis of the analysis of various directions of canonization practices the article shows the transformation of the Russian Orthodox Church in the beginning of the 21st century into an active memory policy actor in Russia. The authors consider both further directions of the use of the pantheon of Ancient and Medieval Russian saints and the peculiarities of the canonization practices of the victims of Soviet repressions as well as the issues of modern canonization. It was shown that the cult of Nicholas II and his family plays a special role in the practice of canonization as a memorial policy. The article considers the features of discussions about canonization of some historical persons. The practice of canonization and the politics of memory of the Russian Orthodox Church are considered in the context of transformation of mass religious historical memory in Russia.