ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the use of the religious language of martyrdom regarding the history and memory of the Second World War in Russia. Paradoxically, even those actors that strive to pose counternarratives free from state centrism remain within the symbolic realm of martyrdom, making it possible to maintain the master narrative of Russian history centered on the state. Despite the intent to promote private, personal memories of the war and open up the space for alternative memories, the initiative had the opposite effect and did not result in more critical reflections. Adopting a post-secular approach to analyzing the memory of state terror could offer insights into why Russian society has so far failed to address the central question of responsibility.
