In the 17th century, the spiritual and religious foundations of Russian society remained Orthodox.It defines many aspects of life (from domestic issues to the public), and interfere with daily life as a peasant and noble nobleman.Beginning in 1589, the head of the Church is the patriarch.In its submission were metropolitans, bishops, archbishops, black and white clergy monastic villages and towns.For almost a century they changed a lot.But none of them did not leave such a trace in the history of the church, as the Patriarch Nikon.
path to power
future patriarch from the very beginning was a bright figure.His path to the coveted chair amazing.Nikita Minich (secular name Nikon) was born in 1605 into a poor peasant family.He was orphaned early and almost all his childhood spent in Makarieva Zheltovodskogo monastery.Over time, he was ordained a priest and first served in the vicinity of Nizhny Novgorod, and since 1627 - in Moscow.After the death of three young children, he persuaded his wife to leave the monastery, and he himself, too, in 30 years took vows.In 1639, Nikon left Anzersky hermitage, went from his mentor, stern elder Eleazar, then 4 years lived as a hermit near Kozheozersky Monastery.In 1643 he became a mentor said monastery.In 1646 he went for the church in Moscow.There's a future Patriarch Nikon acquainted with Vonifatevym and fervently took his program.At the same time, his own mind, looks and energy made a strong impression on the king.According to Alexei Mikhailovich Nikon approved Archimandrite Novospassky Monastery, which was the abode of the Romanov court.From that moment on his way to the rank of Patriarch it was swift.He was elected 6 years after his arrival in Moscow - in 1652.
activities of Patriarch Nikon
himself he took it much wider than the simple transformation of church life, a change rites and editing books.He tried to go back to basics doctrine of Christ and for all to establish the place of the priesthood in the Orthodox Church.Therefore, his first steps were aimed at improving the moral state of society.Patriarch has initiated the publication of the decree, which prohibited the sale in the city in the days of fasting and holiday spirits.Especially it was impossible to sell vodka priests and monks.On the whole town were allowed to leave only one potatory house.For foreigners, in which Patriarch Nikon carriers saw Protestantism and Catholicism, was built on the bank of the Yauza German settlement, and where they were evicted.This is what concerns social transformations.Inside the church and there is a need for reform.She was associated with differences in the rites of Russian and Eastern Orthodoxy.Also, this issue had political significance, since at this time the struggle with Poland for Ukraine.
church reforms of Patriarch Nikon
brief them can be summarized in a few points:
- Editing biblical texts and other books that are used during worship.This innovation resulted in some changes in the wording of the Creed.
- sign of the Cross should now put three fingers instead of two as before.Cancels and small prostrations.
- also Patriarch Nikon ordered to hold processions is not the Sun, but against.
- pronunciation The triple exclamation "Hallelujah!" Has been replaced twice.
- Instead of seven prosphoras for proskomedia began to use five.Changed and mark them.
