History of Orthodoxy. The introduction of the patriarchate in Russia

One of the most significant events in the history of Orthodoxy was the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia. The growth and influence of the Russian church in the Christian world was already especially marked by the end of the 16th century. The ground was created by the Ferrara-Florentine union, which the Byzantine church concluded with the Vatican in the 15th century, after which the Russian metropolis began to elect its first hierarch. Moreover, in 1453 the Patriarchate of Constantinople was completely dependent on the Turkish sultans. In this it was impossible not to see the great providence of God: Russia became the only independent Orthodox state.

The history of the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia

The very idea of the emergence of the Moscow Patriarchate is very closely connected with the establishment of the autocephaly of the Russian Church. After the Moscow Metropolitanate received an independent status from the Greeks, the entire Orthodox world recognized the exceptional importance of the ROC as the most influential and numerous.

This happened not only as evidence of the strengthening of the spiritual significance of Rus, but also in strengthening the faith in the coming trials of the troubled times of the Troubles. The Russian Church will create that powerful spirit and people's power, which will enter the fight against foreign invaders and Catholic aggression.

It was clear to everyone that the patriarchal throne would soon be proclaimed in Moscow. In this regard, tensions have arisen with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, who was offended by Russia because of the transition to autocephaly and did not want to admit it.

However, without the agreement of the Eastern patriarchs, it would be inadmissible and unlawful to proclaim the Russian Metropolitan Patriarch independently. In the capital of the king it was easier to legitimize by force, but the establishment of the patriarchate without a positive decision of the primary departments was unrealistic.

Historical circumstances only influenced the introduction of the patriarchate in Rus during the reign of Fedor Ioannovich (son of Ivan the Terrible). Fyodor reigned (all the main time he spent in prayer, his Christian upbringing did not want to reconcile with the brutal realities of the political life of the state, as a result his name was canonized), and Boris Godunov (brother of the wife of Tsar Feodor, Irina Godunova) ruled.

Boris Godunov

Boris Godunov was a very ambitious man. At the same time, it was a great statesman who created a program to reform the Russian state, which could strengthen its power and prestige. Unfortunately, Godunov's enterprise did not have a strong spiritual foundation, and often his orders were executed with unacceptable means morally (and to all he was accused of the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry, although there is no direct evidence). In addition, the Russian people have become severely impoverished in the spiritual and moral sense after the oprichnina, and therefore was far from all the grandiose plans of their rulers.

Nevertheless, Godunov wanted to see Russia as a great power and was able to bring the matter about approving the patriarchate to the end.

Start

The first stage of preparation began with the arrival in Moscow in 1586 of Antiochian Patriarch Joachim. This was actively baked by "godunov" diplomats. But before that, he visited the limits of Western Russia and saw the Catholic onslaught of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which practically ruined the church life of the Kyiv Metropolitanate (literally on the eve of the Brest Union). In royal Moscow he saw the true greatness and glory of the Third Rome. Patriarch Joachim was met with great honor and respect, he also came for charity, since his chair had a debt of eight thousand gold. Godunov took advantage of this moment and began to implement his plan - the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia.

Metropolitan of Moscow Dionysius

Upon the arrival of Joachim, Metropolitan of Moscow Dionysius did not make himself felt. Most likely, he was in cahoots with Godunov and played the script. The Patriarch was sent to the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. There before him in all his splendor in luxurious clothes at the service appeared Metropolitan Dionysius, who first blessed the patriarch of Antioch, but he was suddenly offended. The beggar was shown who is the real presenter of the great Church.

Here comes into play Godunov, who begins to conduct secret negotiations with Joachim, the main theme of which is the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia. The date of this grandiose event was already very close. Joachim was not ready for such conversations, but promised to consult with the Eastern patriarchs. At this stage, Moscow was satisfied.

Fight

The decisive word was for Constantinople (Istanbul). There developed dramatic events. One by one, the patriarchs overthrew, the temples were looted by the Turks, all means were plundered. The money and messages of the Muscovite sovereign were lost somewhere.

Patriarch of Constantinople Jeremiah began to rebuild a new patriarchate, but he had money for it. And he decided to act like Joachim and also went to Moscow with his outstretched hand. However, he did not know about the early negotiations about the creation of the Moscow Patriarchate. And it all began again: the same scenario was played out, as with his predecessor. Jeremiah was almost a year under house arrest in luxurious conditions in the White Stone.

Patriarch Job

In general, this meeting became fatal for the Russian church. The plight of the Patriarchate of Constantinople played a positive role in the introduction of the Patriarchate in Russia.

In Moscow, by this time, as in Istanbul, there have been some changes. Godunov deposed Metropolitan Dionysius in 1587 in connection with the boyar conspiracy, the rebels demanded the divorce of Tsar Feodor with his wife Irina Godunova because of infertility.

The place of Dionysius was occupied by the Rostov archbishop Job, on January 23 (February 2), 1589, he became the first Patriarch of All Russia. Already in our time, in 1989, his name will be canonized.

In 1721, Peter I abolished the patriarchate: it will be restored only in 1917 in a local council, and the patriarch will choose St. Tikhon. Then there will be a difficult Bolshevik period for the Russian Church. After the death of Tikhon, another cathedral was not held. Only in 1943 it became possible, and the prince of the Russian Orthodox Church became Sergius (Starogorodsky). Patriarch Kirill became the 16th patriarch of Russia.

Thus, officially the introduction of the patriarchate in Rus (year 1589) took place in the 16th century.