Andrey Tkachev has warned that widespread occult practices pose a threat to the nation’s moral foundation
Russia is plagued by widespread occult practices, Fr. Andrey Tkachev, an archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church, has warned, describing it as a serious moral threat to the country. In the latest episode of his “Sacred Truth” series published on Thursday, he claimed that some Russians are spending more on sorcerers than on expensive medical procedures.
Speaking about the role of the clergy in addressing societal issues, he emphasized the need to combat occultism, stating, “The Russian land is full of sorcerers. This abomination requires purification.”
Tkachev stressed that moral rejuvenation in Russia is impossible without the active involvement of the priesthood. He cited the biblical Book of Malachi, arguing that if clergy do not take action, the country has no future. “I will come to you, says the Lord, for judgment, and I will be a swift witness against sorcerers,” he said, adding that strengthening families, increasing birth rates, and fostering patriotism all depend on the church’s influence.
His comments come amid reports of a growing occult services market in Russia. The Russian newspaper MK claimed last month that spending on esoteric services, such as fortune-telling and spiritual healing, had reached 2.4 trillion rubles ($24 billion) annually. The outlet’s analysts said this was comparable to the country’s food expenditures. The demand for rituals such as “chakra cleansing” and “removing negativity” has reportedly surged, with individual sessions costing 15,000 to 25,000 rubles ($150-$250)..
A survey by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTSIOM) has also found that 25% of respondents believe in esotericism, while up to 60% have sought the services of occult specialists at least once. The trend has drawn criticism from lawmakers, including MP Vitaly Milonov, who has denounced fortune-telling as “satanic rituals” and called for legal action against practitioners operating outside religious organizations.
