Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in Greek language literally means "assembly."It was introduced in 1701 by Tsar Peter the Great, and it has existed in its unchanged form to the revolutionary 1917.Initially, the creation of the Synod is expected to be its composition of 11 members, namely, he had to include a president, two vice presidents, four advisors and, in addition, four assessors.It also includes the abbots, bishops and senior clergy person.President of the Synod called the primacy of member and other persons considered mere presence.Before the October Revolution, each member of this organization gets its title for life.
supremacy of the Holy Synod had in the Russian Orthodox Church, all authority and conducted business on matters arising in foreign Orthodox churches.He obeyed the other existing at the time Patriarchate.There are also such interesting information: Members of the Government of the Synod appointed by the emperor, who had his representative, holding the post of Procurator.As historians estimate, the institution of the Synod of the Russian Empire was an important political step, as this organization is the highest state body in the administrative authority of the church.
memorable date in the history of the church life took place Jan. 25, 1721, because it was then formed by the Holy Synod.How we developed at the time of the event?After the death of Patriarch Adrian King Peter gave his royal permission to convene, as it was accepted earlier, the Holy Cathedral of the rules and elect a new head of the Orthodox Church.Peter himself has decided to manage the personnel and administrative matters of the church.Pskov Bishop Theophanes Prokopovich, it gives important mission - to make a new charter, which was called the Spiritual Regulation.It relied on the document in the future in his work all the country's Orthodox Church.King held a frank policy of complete subordination of the church to their interests, as evidenced by the story.
Autocrat of All Russia has decided to restore the monastic order in 1701 and the management of church land is transferred to the secular man and Boyar IA Musin-Pushkin.It was he who started a business property numerous churches and monasteries, all fees and profits from which are sent to the royal treasury.Peter has been suggested that the earlier the patriarchate was bad for the state and the collective management of church affairs would benefit all, and the Holy Synod must fully submit to his authority.Independently take the decision was impossible, therefore, for recognition of his reforms, Peter I refers to Constantinople, and requests that the Holy Synod of the Eastern Patriarchs.In 1723 it was approved by a special charter, which is clearly in line with the objectives set by the monarch.
Create Synod to adjust to a new way-existing church system, but not in the Bible, and in the state bureaucratic hierarchy.The church with the help of Peter becomes a reliable tool of propaganda and even spying.On the personal order of the king with 1722 priests were obliged to tell the secrets of the confessional, they received from the parishioners, especially if it belonged to the state crime.The establishment of the Synod contributed renaming old names and new orders: printing office, the order of ecclesiastical affairs, order inquisitorial Affairs and the Office of the divisive deeds.
In the 20th century in 1943, during the Second World War, was elected Permanent Holy Synod.He was in Clear lane, the house at No. 5. The building was allocated on the personal order of Stalin.Since 2011, after a major renovation Synod residence of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia is located in the St. Daniel Monastery.
