The religious organization called the Union of Orthodox Citizens plans to register an “Orthodox” political party.

      The organization’s founders see Russia as a monarchy with a special role for the Russian Orthodox Church and the patriarch of Moscow and all Russia as the country’s spiritual leader. The orthodox activists plan to struggle for the country's patriarchal traditions and "the revitalization of Russia". The new party is also expected to work to reinstate religious instruction in schools and emphasize traditional spiritual, moral and cultural values.

      As of late the Russian Orthodox Church has faced a wave of unprecedented criticism both at home and abroad over the punk group Pussy Riot case and conflicting statements of some religious public persons. Top Church officials have also been criticized by bloggers and by opposition media for their “lavish” lifestyles.