The Russian Orthodox Church has traditionally followed rules about ritual purity, which have been criticized for their outdated and discriminatory nature. The author suggests that this cultural phenomenon can be explained by the strong emphasis on obedience, submission, and religiosity in Russian culture. While some argue that these rules are no longer strictly enforced, many women still accept them as part of their faith. In fact, a survey of women in different churches found that they do not feel discriminated against or critical towards these rules, instead viewing them as part of their spiritual practice.