In late September, Zosima, the Orthodox Christian messaging app from Russia, made a brief appearance on Google Play before being swiftly removed. This prelude to its official launch, scheduled for October 30, has sparked interest among journalists who managed to download and test the app. Initial impressions reveal that Zosima may not offer much in terms of functionality, especially when compared to Russia’s state-backed messenger, Max.
Overview of Zosima’s Features
Details about Zosima first emerged in September 2024, when the app was described as a tool for believers to connect with their local parishes, receive updates about nearby churches, request prayers, and maintain a connection with church leaders. Early comparisons likened it to WhatsApp, a widely used messaging platform owned by Meta.
Alexey Agapov, the head of the Innotech XXI Foundation, explained that Zosima was initially conceived as part of a restoration project for churches in the Yaroslavl region. However, the vision expanded to create a nationwide platform accessible to all. A trial version was initially set to launch in November 2024, limited to Yaroslavl residents, with a cap on downloads for technical reasons. Agapov emphasized the complexity of the product, stating that the app would first be tested within the Save and Preserve project before a broader rollout in spring 2025.
Despite the anticipated timeline, neither spring nor summer saw the official launch. By September 2025, Zosima’s presence on Google Play was noted, although it was uploaded without any formal announcement from the developers. A corresponding page was also found on RuStore, Russia’s state-sponsored app store, but it remains inactive. Agapov recently confirmed that the official launch is set for October 30, coinciding with the foundation’s fifth anniversary, a date that some have noted falls on the eve of Halloween.
Current State of the App
Following the media buzz surrounding its impending launch, Zosima’s Google Play page was hidden, leaving access only through a web archive. The app’s developer is listed as Denis Osipov, known for creating Licheek, a social network resembling Instagram. However, Agapov claimed he was unfamiliar with Osipov and the reasons behind his listing as the app’s publisher. He mentioned that a team of approximately 30 individuals is dedicated to Zosima’s development, though he acknowledged the authenticity of the Google Play version.
Promised features include personal and group chats, photo and video sharing, livestreaming, and the ability to collect donations for churches. However, no specific timeline has been provided for the rollout of these functionalities. Journalists who tested the app found it to be unfinished, with many features unavailable. The settings allowed only for password changes, while notifications and customization options were inaccessible.
At first glance, Zosima appears to blend elements of a messaging app and a social network, featuring a main screen that displays posts from users or communities. While users can create posts and attach images, community pages remain under development, limiting interaction. Registration options include email, a VK account, or Russia’s state services portal, Gosuslugi. However, the app’s privacy policy raises concerns, as it reserves the right to collect extensive personal information, including passport numbers and employment records, though it claims not to gather data on ethnicity or political beliefs.
Comparative Analysis with Max
In its current form, Zosima has been criticized for its lack of functionality and potential security vulnerabilities. Reports suggest that hackers may have accessed the app’s database, raising alarms about user data safety. Comparisons to VK’s Max app, which has faced scrutiny for its intrusive data collection practices, have emerged. Some users have even mocked Zosima in parody reviews, highlighting its shortcomings.
While Agapov insists that Zosima is a distinct platform, he has previously described it as an “Orthodox” messenger, a label that would require formal endorsement from Patriarch Kirill. Despite this, he maintains that individuals of all faiths are welcome to register. As the app continues to develop, its future remains uncertain, particularly in a landscape where user privacy and data security are paramount concerns.
