The notion of "traditional values" is a relatively new phenomenon in the political discourse of Russia. This concept was elaborated by the Russian Orthodox Church in the early 2000s and has become a contribution to the construction of the new Russian identity. For more than 20 years, the concept has evolved from a theological term based on the theological interpretation of human nature to a set of rigid propositions and a subject of serious attention of the state. The concept of traditional values as understood by the ROC and the state is compared. Traditional values are examined in the light of Christian nationalism. The dichotomy of the universality/particularity in the interpretation of traditional values is highlighted. The relationship between the proclaimed Christian nature of traditional values and their rootage in the Soviet understanding of morality is shown. The impact of traditional values on the public mood in Russia is discussed.
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