It may seem weird to Americans, but this is the traditional role of the Church and State in Russia. During the time of the czars, the Church and State lived in a symbiotic relationship, with the Church always acting as the junior partner. Even during the Soviet era, when the Church was more or less persecuted, the Church served the interests of the State. The Church enthusiastically allowed themselves to be used as a prop in the Great Patriotic War, knowing full well they were going to the back of the bus again after the war was won.
So today, they are fulfilling the role of spiritual arm of the government. I agree with their spiritual message that the rot within society is not consistent with God’s Word, and that society should turn to Jesus’ teachings. What seems weird about it to us is that it is being done as part of official government policy.
In a way, it’s the similar to the relationship between Islam and secular government in Iran, except that the roles of master and servant are reversed.
This is the traditional relationship between the Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Emperor. The Romanovs used the Byzantine double eagle symbol as the symbol of their house.
I know. I sound like that idiot postman on Cheers !