The Russian Orthodox Church explained the mechanism of the planned ban on worship in high-rise buildings

The draft law, which provides for a ban on religious ceremonies in apartment buildings "with the participation of an unlimited number of people" (introduced in mid-June 2025), was prepared in cooperation with the Legal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate. This was reported to Izvestia by its head, Abbess Xenia (Chernega).

The amendments, in particular, propose to allow religious organizations to hold worship services and other rituals in apartment buildings only with the participation of their residents. It is also proposed to ban the registration of religious organizations if they are located and conduct worship services in residential and non-residential buildings.

"Worship services, other religious rites and ceremonies may be freely performed in residential premises in order to exercise the right to freedom of conscience and religion of citizens residing in such premises. Public worship services designed for an indefinite circle of people are not allowed," she said.

Thus, a religious ceremony will have to be conducted only with the participation of persons living in the premises with the involvement of a priest and the necessary religious staff. The presence of an indefinite circle of people is also not allowed.

The law, if adopted, will not be retroactive, Abbess Xenia reminded.

"Therefore, the house temples created in residential buildings will continue to function. However, the construction of such temples in the future, after the new law comes into force, will become impossible," she said.

The main task of the draft law is to resolve situations related to the construction of mosques in residential complexes for religious ceremonies involving illegal migrants, the Legal Department of the Moscow Patriarchate noted.

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