Russian Orthodox Church2019-09-252019-09-252015-03-101997http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/219174"The rapid development of biomedical technologies, which have invaded the life of modern man from birth to death, and the impossibility of responding to the ensuing ethical challenges within the traditional medical ethics have caused serious concern in society. The attempts of human beings to put themselves in the place of God by changing and 'improving' His creation at their will may bring to humanity new burdens and suffering. The development of biomedical technologies has outstripped by far the awareness of possible spiritual-moral and social consequences of their uncontrolled application. This cannot but cause a profound pastoral concern in the Church. In formulating her attitude to the problems of bioethics so widely debated in the world today, especially those involved in the direct impact on the human being, the Church proceeds from the ideas of life based on the Divine Revelation. It asserts life as a precious gift of God. It also asserts the inalienable freedom and God-like dignity of man called to be 'the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ' (Phil. 3:14), to be as perfect as the Heavenly Father (Mt. 5:48) and to be deified, that is, to become partaker in the Divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4)."engWith permission of the license/copyright holderabortionmurdercontraceptionAssisted reproductiongenetic engineeringcloningtransplantologyeuthanasiasuicidesexualityReligious ethicsMethods of ethicsTheological ethicsPhilosophical ethicsBioethicsSocial ethicsSexual orientation/genderMedical ethicsChristian denominationsOrthodox (Eastern, Oriental)DogmaticsThe human beingPractical theology and theological educationTraining of church leadersMinisterial and pastoral trainingLay FormationPreprint