Orthodox Economics: To Be or Not to Be?
Can Orthodox Christianity Reshape Economic Policy? Experts Clash at Faith and Deeds 2026
Andrei Klishas, chair of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation, Construction, and State Development, and Andrei Klepach, chief economist at VEB.RF, agree that there can be no such thing as "Orthodox economics"—just as there can be no "Orthodox journalism." While the senator and the economist share this view, they differ on whether God has a place in economic relations: Klishas rejects the idea outright, whereas Klepach suggests that an Orthodox approach could apply to how people and land are treated.
Klishas, Klepach, and Vladimir Legoyda, head of the Synodal Department for Church-Society and Media Relations, all concur that "Orthodox economics" as a distinct category does not exist. However, they disagree on the role faith might play in economic life. The debate unfolded at the Faith and Deeds 2026 conference, as reported by RBC.
Klishas argued that religion and economics operate in separate spheres. "When we speak of God, morality, or the ethical environment, we address a person's inner choice," he noted. "Economics, by contrast, is governed by laws that dominate human behavior."
Klepach, meanwhile, cited real-world examples where Christian values shape attitudes toward people and the land. In his view, economic practices can indeed reflect Orthodox principles. He pointed to two farms in Belgorod Oblast: one yielded high profits and harvests but left fields neglected and villages half-abandoned, while the other, though less profitable, thrived—residents stayed, churches and cultural centers were restored, and the community flourished.
The discussion was sparked by a remark from Valery Fadeyev, chair of the Human Rights Council, who noted that apartments are "getting smaller and more expensive," with mortgage payments rising. He added that housing costs are further inflated by layers of overhead and markups. "Is this the Christian way, or what?" Fadeyev asked. "Let's talk about it."
Vladimir Legoyda endorsed the argument that there is no such thing as an "Orthodox economy" as a distinct field of study. Expanding on the topic, he cited G.K. Chesterton's observation that religion concerns everything in the world. Legoyda emphasized that Orthodoxy does not dictate specific economic policies but instead shapes the broader context of events and the personal dimension for those involved in economic relations.
According to him, just as there can be no "Orthodox journalism" or "Orthodox dentistry," there can be no "Orthodox economy." Nevertheless, an individual's outlook, worldview, and faith inevitably influence how they conduct business and assess economic processes.
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