Question

Кто такие старообрядцы? Как складывались отношения между государством и старообрядцами?

Answer 1

Старообрядцы были после реформ патриарха Никона. Отношения между старообрядцами и государством были не лучшие,в общем плохие.

Answer 2

Who are the Old Believers?

The Old Believers, also known as Old Ritualists or Old Ritual Believers, are a group of Russian Orthodox Christians who adhere to traditional pre-reform practices and rituals that were prevalent in the Russian Orthodox Church before the reforms of Patriarch Nikon in the 17th century. These reforms aimed to align the Russian Orthodox Church with the practices of the Greek Orthodox Church and brought about significant changes in liturgical practices, including changes in the way the sign of the cross was made, the spelling of certain words, and the use of two fingers instead of three to make the sign of the cross.

The Old Believers rejected these reforms and continued to practice their traditional rituals, which they believed were in line with the original teachings of the Church. As a result, they faced persecution and were considered schismatics by the official Russian Orthodox Church. Many Old Believers were exiled, imprisoned, or even killed for their refusal to accept the reforms.

Relationship between the State and the Old Believers

The relationship between the state and the Old Believers has evolved over time. Initially, the Russian government under Tsar Alexis I (1645-1676) implemented harsh measures against the Old Believers, including burning their books and persecuting their leaders. The government saw the Old Believers as a threat to the unity of the Russian Orthodox Church and the stability of the state.

However, over time, the government's attitude towards the Old Believers softened. In the 18th century, Empress Elizabeth issued a decree that allowed the Old Believers to practice their faith without persecution. This marked a significant change in the state's policy towards the Old Believers, and they were granted some level of religious freedom.

During the reign of Catherine the Great in the late 18th century, the state further relaxed its policies towards the Old Believers. Catherine issued a series of decrees that granted them more rights and privileges, including the right to own land, engage in trade, and participate in local self-government.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the relationship between the state and the Old Believers continued to evolve. The Old Believers faced varying degrees of tolerance and persecution depending on the political climate and the policies of the ruling authorities. For example, during the Soviet era, the Old Believers faced significant challenges due to the state's atheistic policies and the suppression of religious practices.

Today, the Old Believers continue to exist as a distinct religious group within the Russian Orthodox Church. They have their own churches, traditions, and practices, and they maintain a strong sense of identity and community. The Russian government recognizes the Old Believers as an integral part of Russian culture and history and has taken steps to preserve their cultural heritage.