During the second half of the 17th century (1650-1660 years) in Russia was carried out large-scale reforms initiated by Patriarch Nikon began.Its main aim was the unification of customs and religious ceremonies with the Greek canons.What has caused the need for church reform?First of all, it is the powerful influence of Byzantine foundations of all orthodox society.
What has caused the need for church reform?
Toward the end of the 1640s the king and the Moscow Patriarchate have learned that in the Athos monastery in Moscow there was an act of burning religious books that were declared heretical.Of course, this fact is deeply outraged by the governor, but he could not accept the fact that the event was a good reason.Moscow church books were significant errors in the rituals and ranks.Patriarch saw that it was caused by the need for this church reform.
Since the 17th century, relations with other countries have become increasingly busy, widespread gains grekofilstvo.Even the ruler of Alexei Mikhailovich was his sincere supporter.He wanted to bring the Russian Church in accordance with the Greek.This desire was largely due to the need for church reform of the 17th century.
Alexis also pursued and selfish, selfish goals.He hoped to bring to the unity of the Russian Church to make him governor of the Greek God on earth, will help save the country from the Turks, and later it will help to reign in Constantinople.
Another important factor was the desire to join Little Russia.While she was in charge of the throne of Constantinople.Thus, answering the question: "What has caused the need for church reform?", We can distinguish the following main factors:
1. Establish power over Little Russia.
2. Strengthening the position of the king in the world.
3. Alignment with the canons of the Russian Greek rites.
Timeline split in February 1651 after a major church council began a policy of unanimity.Earlier in the various temples of worship were on a different order.
- 21.02.1653, the provision has been introduced to replace the sign of the cross on dvuhperstnogo trehperstnoe.
- September 1653 - Avvakum was imprisoned in a dungeon.Later, he was forever banished to the Siberian town of Tobolsk.
- 1654 - Nikon stands for the equation Russian church books from Greek.
- 1656 - Church officially condemned dvuhperstnoe sign of the cross and the curse of those who remained faithful to him.
- 1667-1776 year - riots across the country.Old Believers are attacking churches, robbing them and destroying property.
- 1672 - 2700 Old Believers have committed self-immolation in Paleostrovsky monastery.
- January 6, 1681 - a revolt that organized Avvakum.
- 1702 - Peter 1 signed a decree according to which stopped the persecution of the Old Believers.
Main characteristics reforms
To edit the church books in Russian were invited priests from Greece.Their work intently watched Patriarch Nikon.Any disagreement with his authoritative opinion was punished with dismissal and removal from the correction of errors in the books.The main changes were aimed at bringing the Russian rites according to the Greek.Nikon clearly imagine what caused the need for church reform and sought to unify all the traditions and ceremonies taking place in all churches of the state.
people's reaction to the reform of Patriarch Nikon
different harsh temper and rudeness.Many clerics denounced his intolerance and opposed him.So, at the council, he could afford to rip the mantle and even bishops publicly beaten.His judgments were too categorical, causing indignation among the people.
In 1667, the decision of the Moscow Cathedral of the Big Nikon was deposed for his willfully leaving his pulpit.
