Brief history of Orthodoxy and the Russian Orthodox Church. The history of the appearance of Orthodoxy in Russia

About a third of the inhabitants of the planet profess Christianity in all its varieties.

Christianity it originated in I. AD On the territory of the Roman Empire. Among the researchers there is no consensus about the exact location of Christianity. Some believe that it happened in Palestine, which was at that time as part of the Roman Empire; Others suggest that this happened in the Jewish diaspora in Greece.

Palestinian Jews for many centuries were under foreign dominion. However, in the II century. BC. They achieved political independence, during which they expanded their territory and did a lot for the development of political and economic relations. In 63 BC Roman commander Gna Flying He introduced the troops in Judea, as a result of which it became part of the Roman Empire. By the beginning of our era and other Palestine territories lost their independence, the management began to be carried out by the Roman governor.

The loss of political independence was perceived by part of the population as a tragedy. In political events, they saw religious meaning. The idea of \u200b\u200bDivine Retribution for violations of the covenants of fathers, religious customs and prohibitions was distributed. This led to strengthening the position of Jewish religious nationalist groups:

• hasidia - Orthodox Jews;
• sadduceawho represented the conciliatory moods, they were immigrants from the highest layers of the Jewish society;
• pharisees - Fighters for the purity of Judaism, against contacts with alien. Pharisees advocated the adherence to the external standards of behavior, for which they were accused of cruise.

According to the social composition of Pharisees, there were representatives of the middle layers of the urban population. At the end of the i century. BC. Appear Zelota -suites from the lower layers of the population - artisans and lumpen proletaris. They expressed the most radical ideas. From their medium stood Sichari - Terrorists. Their favorite weapon was a curve dagger, which they hid under a cloak - in Latin Sika. All these groupings with a greater or less perseverance were struggled with Roman conquerors. It was obvious that the struggle is not in favor of the rebels, so the aspirations about the arrival of the Savior, the Messiah. It was the first century of our era that the most ancient book of the New Testament is dating - Apocalypse,in which the idea of \u200b\u200bretaliation of enemies for an unfair attitude and oppression of the Jews manifested itself so much.

The most interest is the sect Esseev or EssenovSince their teaching has a feature inherent in early Christianity. This is evidenced by found in 1947 in the Dead Sea area in Kumran caves Scrolls. Common among Christians and Esseev were ideas Messianism - Expectations of the speed of honor of the Savior, ESChatological views About the upcoming end of the world, interpretation of the idea of \u200b\u200bthe sinfulness of man, ritual, organization of communities, attitudes towards property.

The processes occurring in Palestine were similar to the processes occurring in other parts of the Roman Empire: Romans were rifted everywhere and mercilessly exploited the local population enriched at his expense. The crisis of the ancient order and the formation of new socio-political relations experienced people painfully, caused a feeling of helplessness, defenseless to the state car and contributed to the search for new paths of salvation. Mysterious moods increased. Eastern cults are distributed: Mitra, Isis, Osiris, etc. There are many different associations, partnerships, so-called colleges. People united on the basis of professions, social position, neighborhood, etc. All this created a favorable soil for the spread of Christianity.

Sources of Christianity

The emergence of Christianity was prepared not only to the prevailing historical conditions, it had a good ideological basis. The main ideological source of Christianity is Judaism. New religion rethought the ideas of Judaism about Monotheism, Messianism, ESKhatology, Hilayazme - Faith in the second coming of Jesus Christ and his millennial kingdom on earth. Old Testament tradition did not lose its meaning, she got a new interpretation.

An antique philosophical tradition was essential on the formation of a Christian worldview. In philosophical systems Stoics, nonopagorsians, Plato and Neoplatonics Thinking structures, concepts and even terms, rethinking in the New Testament texts and the works of theologians were developed. Especially great influence on the foundations of Christian verbation were neoplatonism Philon Alexandria (25 G. BC - OK. 50 G.U.) and the moral teachings of the Roman Stoic Seinea (OK. 4 G. BC - 65 AD). Filon formulated the concept Logos. As a sacred law, allowing to contemplate, the doctrine of a born sinfulness of all people, about repentance, about the judgment of both the origin of the world, about ecstasy as a means of approaching God, about the logos, among which the Son of God is the highest Logos, and other logos are angels.

Seneca considered the main thing for each person the achievement of the Freedom of the Spirit through the awareness of the Divine necessity. If freedom will not flow out of the Divine necessity, it will be slavery. Only the obedience of fate gives rise to the immutability and peace of mind, conscience, moral norms, universal values. Seneca as a moral imperative recognized the golden rule of morality, which sounded as follows: " Go around with the following way, as you would like to have the standing above with you. " We can find a close formulation in the Gospels.

A certain influence on Christianity was the teachings of Seneki about the vehicles and the deceptivity of sensual pleasures, care for other people, self-restriction in the use of material benefits, preventing the raidness of passions, the need for modesty and moderation in everyday life, self-improvement, acquiring Divine Mercy.

Another source of Christianity has become thriving at this time in various parts of the Roman Education Eastern cults.

The most controversial issue in the study of Christianity is the question of the historicity of Jesus Christ. In solving it, it is possible to distinguish two directions: mythological and historical. Mythological direction It claims that science does not have reliable data about Jesus Christ as a historical personality. Evangelical stories were written many years after the events described, they do not have a real historical basis. Historical direction It claims that Jesus Christ was a real person, a preacher of a new religion, which is confirmed by a number of sources. In 1971 text was found in Egypt "Antiquities" Joseph Flavia, which gives reason to believe that it describes in it one of the real preachers named Jesus, although about the wonders they committed, it was said as one of numerous stories on this topic, i.e. Iosif Flavius \u200b\u200bhimself did not observe them.

Stages of the formation of Christianity as a state religion

The history of the formation of Christianity covers the period from mid-i c. AD to V c. inclusive. During this period, Christianity survived a number of stages of its development, which can be reduced to the following three:

1 - Stage Actual eschatology (second half of the i century);

2 - Stage fixtures (II century);

3 - Stage Fight for domination In the Empire (III-V century).

Throughout each of these stages, the composition of believers changed, various neoplasms inside Christianity had disintegrated and disintended, internal collisions were increased, which expressed the struggle for the realization of urgent public interests.

Stage of relevant eschatology

In the first stage, Christianity has not yet been mediated finally from Judaism, so it can be called the Jewishrystian. The name "Actual Eshhatology" means that the determining mood of the new religion at this time was the waiting for the Savior's arrival in the near future, literally from day to day. The social basis of Christianity was enslaved, disadvantaged people suffering from national and social oppression. The hatred of enslaved to their oppressors and the thirst for revenge found their expression and discharge not in revolutionary actions, but in an impatiently waiting for the violence that will be configured by the upcoming Messiah over the Antichrist.

In early Christianity, there was no uniform centralized organization, there were no priests. The communities headed believers able to perceive Charisma (Grace, Descent of the Holy Spirit). Charismatics united around themselves groups of believers. People stand out who were engaged in clarifying the teachings. They were called Didascals - Teachers. Special people were appointed to organize the economic life of the community. Originally appeared Deaconwho performed simple technical duties. Later appear Bishops - observers, warders as well Presbyters - Elders. Over time, the bishops occupy a dominant position, and the presbyters become their assistants.

Stage of fixture

In the second stage, in the II century, the situation changes. Lights does not occur; On the contrary, there is some stabilization of the Roman society. Waiting tensions in moods of Christians is replaced by a more vital installation of existence in the real world and tool to its orders. The place of eschatology, common in this world, is occupied by eschatology individual in the past world, the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is actively being developed.

The social and national composition of communities changes. Representatives of wealthy and educated segments of the population of different peoples who inhabited the Roman Empire begin to appear in Christianity. Accordingly, the creation of Christianity changes, it becomes more tolerant to wealth. The attitude of the authorities to the new religion depended on the political situation. One emperor carried out the persecution, the other manifested humanity if it allowed the domestic political situation.

Development of Christianity in II century. He led to a complete separation from Judaism. Jews among Christians in comparison with other peoples became less and less. It was necessary to solve the problems of practically cult importance: food prohibitions, the celebration of Saturday, circumcision. As a result, the circumcision was replaced by water baptism, the weekly celebration of Saturday was moved on Sunday, the Easter holiday went into Christianity under the same name, but was filled with another mythological content, as well as the Pentecostal holiday.

The influence of other peoples on the formation of a cult in Christianity was manifested that the rites or their elements were borrowing: baptism, communion as a symbol of sacrifice, prayer and some others.

During III century. There was a formation of large Christian centers in Rome, Antioch, Jerusalem, Alexandria, in a number of cities of Malaya Asia and other areas. However, the church itself was not internally united: among Christian teachers and preachers there were discrepancies regarding the correct understanding of Christian truths. Christianity from the inside was swallowed by the most complex theologian disputes. There were many directions, differently interpreted the provisions of the new religion.

Nazori (From ancient Russia - "Refuse, refrain") - Asseta's preachers of ancient Judea. An external sign of belonging to the nuclearies was a waiver of hair cutting and wines. Subsequently, noredes merged with essays.

Montanism originated in II century. Founder Montana On the eve of the end of the world, asceticism preached, the prohibition of repeated marriages, martyrdom in the name of faith. Ordinary Christian communities viewed as mentally ill, he considered only his adherents.

Gnosticism (from Greek. - "Having knowledge") eclectically associated ideas borrowed mainly from Platonism and Stoicism, with the ideas of the eastern. Gnostics recognized the presence of a perfect deity, between which there are intermediate links between which the sinful material world - zones. They attributed to Jesus Christ. Gnostics pessimistically belonged to the sensual world, emphasized their glory, the advantage of intuitive knowledge before rational, did not take the Old Testament, the redeeming mission of Jesus Christ (but recognized the saving), his bodily incarnation.

Doctism (from Greek. - "It seems") - the direction separated from Gnosticism. The physicity was considered an evil, lower start and on this basis, rejected Christian doctrine about the bodily incarnation of Jesus Christ. They believed that Jesus just seemed to be clothed in the flesh, and in reality his birth, earthly existence and death were ghostly phenomena.

Markionism (named founder - Markion) He played for a complete gap with Judaism, did not recognize the human nature of Jesus Christ, according to its basic ideas was close to Gnostics.

NOVATIAN (named founders - Rome. Nomatiana and carf. NOVAT) They held a tough position in relation to power and those Christians who could not resist the pressure of the authorities and went on a compromise with them.

Stage of the struggle for domination in the empire

In the third stage, the final approval of Christianity as a state religion occurs. In 305, the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire is activated. This period in church history is known as "Era Martyrs." The places of departure of the cult was closed, the church property was confiscated, and the sacred utensils were seized and destroyed and destroyed the plebey, recognized by Christians, arrested and executed the highest members of the clearing, as well as those who did not conquer the orders to renounce, having honed Roman gods. Those who inferred quickly went to freedom. For the first time, the burial places belonging to the communities began at the time of refuge for the persecuted, where they sent their cult.

However, the measures taken by the authorities did not occur. Christianity has already strengthened sufficiently to provide decent resistance. Already in 311, the emperor Galeria, and in 313 - emperor Konstantin Take decrees of violence with respect to Christianity. Emperor Konstantin I is especially important.

In the course of a fierce struggle for power before the decisive battle with Menziem, Konstantin saw a sign of Christ - a cross with the command to perform with this symbol against the enemy. Having performed this, he won a decisive victory in the battle in 312. The emperor gave this vision a completely special meaning - as a sign of election by Christ for the exercise between God and the world through its imperial ministry. That was how his role was perceived by the Christians of his time, which allowed the unprecedented emperor to take an active part in solving intracerer, dogmatic issues.

In 313 Konstantin issued Milan Edict According to which Christians become protected by the state and receive equal rights with the lawnies. The Christian Church was no longer persecuted, even in the rule of the emperor Juliana (361-363), nicknamed Apostate For the restriction of the rights of the Church and the proclamation of violence towards the heales and paganism. Under the emperor Feodosia In 391, there is a final consolidation of Christianity as a state religion, and paganism was prohibited. Further development and strengthening Christianity are associated with the Cathedrals, which worked out and the church dogmatics was worked out.

Christianization of pagan tribes

By the end of the IV century. Christianity was established by almost all provinces of the Roman Empire. In the 340th. Bishop's efforts of Bishop Willfily penetrates tribes Ready. Goths accepted Christianity in the form of Arianism, which was dominant then in the East of the Empire. As Westers advanced, Arianism has been distributed to the West. In V c. In Spain, he was taken tribe vandalov and Sveov. in Galin - Burgundy and then Langobards. Orthodox Christianity adopted the Franksky King Chlodwig. Political reasons led to the fact that by the end of the VII century. In most areas of Europe, Nicea religion has been established. In V c. The Irish met with Christianity. By this time, the activity of the legendary Apostle Ireland sv. Patrick.

Christianization of the barbaric peoples was carried out mainly on top. In the consciousness of the masses of the people, the pagan performances and images continued to live. The church assimilated these images, adapted them to Christianity. Pagan rites and holidays were filled with new, Christian content.

From the end of V to the beginning of the VII century. The power of the Roman Pope was limited only by the Roman church province in Central and Southern Italy. However, in 597 an event occurred, which began the beginning of the strengthening of the Roman Church in the whole kingdom. Dad Gregory I Great directed to the Anglo-Saxam-pagans of the preachers of Christianity led by a monk Augustine. According to the legend, Dad saw in the market of Rabov-Angles and was surprised by the similarity of their name with the word "Angels", which was familiar with over. The Anglo-Saxon Church became the first church north of the Alps subordinate directly to Rome. The symbol of this dependence was pallium (boards worn on the shoulders), which was sent from Rome to the charter of the church, called now Archbishop. The Higher Bishop, which was delegated to the authority directly from the Pope - Vicar of St. Peter. Subsequently, Anglo-chases have made a great contribution to the consolidation of the Roman Church on the continent, in the Union of Pope with Caroling. A significant role in this was played sv. Bonifacea The leaving from Wessex. He has developed a program of deep reforms of the Franksk Church in order to water the uniformity and subordination of Rome. Boniface reforms created as a whole Roman Church in Western Europe. Only Christians of the Arab Spain retained the special traditions of the Westgoth Church.

One of the three main directions of Christianity (along with Catholicism and Protestantism). It turned out mostly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Originally was the state religion of the Byzantine Empire. From 988, i.e. Over a thousand years, Orthodoxy is a traditional religion in Russia. Orthodoxy has formed the nature of the Russian people, cultural traditions and lifestyle, ethical norms (rules of conduct), aesthetic ideals (beauty samples). Orthodox, ad is what is related to Orthodoxy: Orthodox man, Orthodox book, Orthodox icon, etc.

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Orthodoxy

one of the directions of Christianity, along with Catholicism and Protestantism. The beginning is to fold from 4 in. As the official religion of the Byzantine Empire, completely independently since the division of the Christian Church in 1054. It did not have a single church center, several independent Orthodox churches were subsequently (currently 15), each of which has its own specifics, but adheres to the general system of dogmas and rituals . The religious basis of P. is the Holy Scripture (Bible) and the Sacred Tradition (solutions of the first 7 universal councils and the works of the Fathers of the Church 2-8 centuries). The basic principles of P. are set out in 12 points of the Faith symbol adopted on the first two Ecumenical cathedrals in Naquer (325) and Constantinople (381). The most important postulates of the Orthodox dogma are dogmas: the trinity of God, the awards, redemption, the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Dogmatas are not subject to change and clarification not only in content, but also in form. The clergy is recognized as an endowed with the grace of an intermediary between God and People. For P. characterized by a complex, detailed cult. Services in P. longer than other Christian confessions. An important role is assigned to holidays, among which the first place is occupied by Easter. See also the Russian Orthodox Church, Georgian Orthodox Church, Polish Orthodox Church, American Orthodox Church.

Unlike Catholicism, canceled Christianity and turned it into a decorative screen for sin and vice, Orthodoxy up to our time remains a living faith, open every soul. Orthodoxy presents its members wide space for a scholarship, but in his symbolic teaching it gives the theologian point of support and scale, with which you need to construct, in order to avoid contradiction with "dogmas" or with the "faith of the church", any religious reasoning. So, Orthodoxy, unlike Catholicism, allows you to read the Bible to extract more detailed information about the faith and church; However, as opposed to Protestantia, it considers it necessary to be guided by the interpreting creations of the SVV. The fathers of the church, by no means leaving the understanding of the Word of God on the personal understanding of the Christian himself. Orthodoxy does not expect the teachings of the human, which is not in holy. Scripture and St. Trades, the degree of God-stroke, as is done in Catholicism; Orthodoxy does not withdraw new dogmas from the former teachings of the Church through the conclusion, does not share the Catholic teaching on the vicinity of the identity of the mother of Our Lady (the Catholic doctrine of her "immaculate conception"), does not attribute the holy ultrasound merit, the more so it does not care for the divine Roman high priest himself; The church in its full composition is infallible, since it expresses its teaching through the Universal Councils. Orthodoxy does not recognize the purgatory, teaching the satisfaction of the sins of people the truth of God has been brought once forever suffering and the death of the Son of God; Taking 7 sacraments, Orthodoxy sees in them not the signs of only grace, but grace; In the sacrament of the Eucharist sees the true body and the true blood of Christ, in which bread and wine are presented. Orthodox pray to the holy improper, believing because of their prayers before God; Worship the netted remains of saints and power. Contrary to reformers, according to the teachings of Orthodoxy, the grace of God operates in a person is not irresistibly, but according to his free will; Our own affairs are accumulated by us in merit, although not by themselves, but due to the assimilation of the loyal merit of the Savior. Not approving the Catholic teachings about the church authorities, Orthodoxy recognizes, however, the church hierarchy with its grateful dating and admits to participate in the affairs of the church and the laity. The moralization of Orthodoxy does not give the relaxation of sin and passions, like Catholicism (in indulgences); It rejects the Protestant teaching about justifying the same faith, demanding from each Christian of the expression of faith in good deeds. In relation to the state of Orthodoxy, it does not want to rule over it, like Catholicism, nor obey him in his internal affairs, as a Protestantism: it seeks to preserve the complete freedom of activity, without interfering in the independence of the state in his power.

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It is difficult to find such religion that would be so powerful affected the fate of mankind, as Christianity did. It would seem that the emergence of Christianity is studied quite well. This is written a limitless amount of material. In this field, church authors, historians, philosophers, representatives of biblical criticism worked. This is understandable, because it was about the greatest phenomenon, under the influence of which modern Western civilization was actually developed. However, many more secrets keep one of the three world religions.

Appearance

In the creation and development of a new world religion a confusing story. The emergence of Christianity is shrouded in secrets, legends, assumptions and assumptions. Not much is known about the approval of this exercise, which today confesses a quarter of the world's population (about 1.5 billion people). This can be explained by the fact that in Christianity it is much more distinct than in Buddhism or Islam, there is a supernatural beginning, faith in which is usually generating not only reverence, but also skepticism. Therefore, the history of the issue was subjected to significant falsification of various ideologues.

In addition, the emergence of Christianity, its spread was explosive. The process was accompanied by an active religious ideological and political struggle, significantly distorting the historical truth. Disputes on this issue continue to the present.

Birth of the Savior

The emergence and spread of Christianity is associated with the birth, acts, death and the resurrection of only one person - Jesus Christ. The basis of the new religion was faith in the Divine Savior, whose biography is served mainly the gospel - four canonical and numerous apocryphic.

In church literature, in detail, in detail, describes the occurrence of Christianity. Briefly try to transfer the main events captured in the Gospels. They argue that in the city of Nazareth (Galilee), Archangel Gabriel appeared in the city of Mary and announced the forthcoming birth of the Son, but not from the earthly father, but from the Holy Spirit (God).

Maria gave birth to this son in the times of the Juda Tsar Herod and the Roman Emperor of August in the city of Bethlehem, where she went along with her husband, a carpenter Joseph, to participate in the census of the population. The shepherds notified by the angels were welcomed by the infant who received the name Jesus (the Greek form of Jewish "Yeshua", which means "God-Savior", "God saves me").

On the move in the sky stars about this event, the eastern wise men were recognized - Magi. Following the star, they found a home and baby, in which Christ recognized ("Anointed", "Messia"), and brought her gifts. Then the family, saving the child from the distraught king Herod, went to Egypt, returned, settled in Nazareth.

In the apocryphal gospels, numerous details about life at the time of Jesus have been told. But the canonical gospel reflects only one episode from his childhood - a trip for a holiday in Jerusalem.

Acts Messia

Podral, Jesus adopted the experience of the father, became a mason and a carpenter, after the death of Joseph fed and cared for the family. When Jesus was 30 years old, he met the Baptist John and baptized in the Jordan River. In the future, he collected 12 apostles pupils ("Messengers") and, together with them, for 3.5 years of the city and the village of Palestine, preached a completely new, peaceful religion.

In the Nagorno Protection, Jesus substantiated moral principles that became the basis of the worldview of the new era. At the same time, he worked different wonders: she walked through the water, the hands with a touch resurrected the dead (three such cases were recorded in the gospels), healed patients. Also could take a storm, turn water in wine, "five bread and two fish" to feed the existence of 5,000 people. However, for Jesus there was a difficult time. The emergence of Christianity is connected not only with miracles, but also the sufferings that he experienced later.

Pogging on Jesus

No one perceived Jesus as a Messiah, and his relatives even decided that he was "out of herself", that is, became violent. Only during the transformation of the disciple of Jesus understood his greatness. But the preaching activities of Jesus caused irritation of the High Priests, who led the Jerusalem Temple, who declared his lzhemesis. After a mystery evening held in Jerusalem, Jesus for 30 Srebrenikov betrayed one of his students-followers - Judas.

Jesus, like anyone, besides Divine manifestations, felt pain and fear, so that I survived the "passion". Crashed on the Eleon Mountain, he was convicted by the Jewish religious court - Sanhedrin - and sentenced to death. The sentence approved the governor of Rome Pontius Pilate. During the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius of Christ, the martyr's execution was crucified on the cross. At the same time, wonders again happened: the earthquake was rolled, the sun was alarmed, and according to the legend "the coffins revealed" - they resurrected some dead.

Resurrection

Jesus was buried, but on the third day he rose and soon came the disciples. According to the canons, he ascended on the cloud to the sky, promising afterwards to return, in order to resurrect the dead, in the terrible court to condemn the acts of everyone, to overthrow the hell of sinners for eternal torments, and the righteous people to have an eternal life in the "mountainous" Jerusalem, the Heavenly Kingdom of God. It can be said that from this point on, an amazing story begins - the emergence of Christianity. The assurances of the apostles have spread a new teaching throughout Malaya Asia, Mediterranean and other regions.

The foundation of the Church was the feast of the Fathest of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles 10 days after the Ascension, thanks to which the apostles were able to preach the new teaching in all ends of the Roman Empire.

Secrets Stories

As the emergence and development of Christianity in the early stage, it is not known for certain. We know what the authors of the Gospels - Apostles told. But the gospel differ, and significantly, regarding the interpretation of the image of Christ. John Jesus is God in human court, the author of the author of the author in every way emphasizes, and Matthew, Mark and Luke attributed the quality of an ordinary person.

The existing gospels are written in Greek, common in the world of Hellenism, while the real Jesus and his first followers (Judeo-Christians) lived and acted in another cultural environment, communicated in the Aramaic language distributed in Palestine and in the Middle East. Unfortunately, not a single Christian document in the Aramaic language has not been preserved, although the early Christian authors mention the Gospels written in this language.

After the ascension of Jesus, the sparks of the new religion should seemed to fool, since among his followers did not have educated preachers. In fact, it happened so that the new faith was established on the entire planet. According to church views, the emergence of Christianity is due to the fact that humanity, retreating from God and carried away the illusion of domination over the forces of nature with the help of magic, still looking for the path to God. Society, having passed a difficult path, "matured" to the recognition of a single Creator. Scientists also tried to explain the avalanche-like spreading of a new religion.

Backgrounds of the emergence of a new religion

Theologies and scientists have been fighting over the phenomenal, rapid spread of a new religion for 2000, trying to figure out these reasons. The emergence of Christianity, according to ancient sources, was recorded in the Labor Provinces of the Roman Empire and in Rome itself. This phenomenon was due to a number of historical factors:

• Increased operation of subordinate and enslaved Rome of peoples.
• Defeats rebel slaves.
• The crisis of polytetic religions in ancient Rome.
• Social need for a new religion.

The creeds, ideas and ethical principles of Christianity manifested themselves on the basis of certain public relations. In the first centuries of our era, the Romans finished the conquest of the Mediterranean. Submission of states and peoples, Rome destroyed their independence, originality of public life. By the way, in this, the emergence of Christianity and Islam is something similar. Only the development of two world religions at a different historic background was proceeded.

At the beginning of the I century, Palestine also became the province of the Roman Empire. The inclusion of it in the global empire led to the integration of the Jewish religious and philosophical thought from Greco-Roman. They contributed to this and numerous communities of the Jewish diaspora in different ends of the Empire.

Why a new religion spread over record short time

The emergence of Christianity A number of researchers range to the historical miracle: too many factors coincided for the rapid, "explosive" spread of a new teaching. In fact, it was important that this course had a wide and effective ideological material, which served him for the formation of his own creed and cult.

Christianity as a world religion has developed gradually under the influence of various currents and beliefs of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Four Asia. Ideas were drawn from religious, literary and philosophical sources. It:

• Jewish Messianism.
• Jewish sectarianism.
• Hellenistic syncretism.
• Oriental religions and cults.
• Folk Roman cults.
• The cult of the emperor.
• Mysticism.
• Philosophical ideas.

Alloy of philosophy and religion

A considerable role was provided to the emergence of Christianity philosophy - skepticism, epicureism, kinism, and stoicism. Noticeably influenced the "average platonism" of Philon with Alexandria. Jewish theologians, he actually moved to the service to the Roman emperor. By allegorical interpretation of the Bible, Filon sought to merge the monotheism of the Jewish religion (faith in a single God) and elements of Greco-Roman philosophy.

No less influenced the moral teachings of the Roman philosopher-stop and writer Seneki. He considered the Life of Earth as a run-up to rebirth in the other world. The main thing for man Seneca considered the foundation of the Freedom of the Spirit through the awareness of the Divine necessity. That is why later researchers called the dedication of Christianity.

Dating problem

The emergence of Christianity is inextricably linked with the problem of dating events. The fact is indisputable - it originated in the Roman Empire at the turn of our era. But when exactly? And in what place the grand Empire, which covered the whole Mediterranean, a significant part of Europe, Maly Asia?

According to the traditional interpretation, the emergence of basic postulates falls on the years of the preaching activities of Jesus (30-33 years. N. E.). Scientists with this partially agree, but add that the creed is drawn up after the execution of Jesus. Moreover, of the four canonically recognized authors of the New Testament, only Matthew and John were students of Jesus Christ, were witnessing events, that is, they were contacted with the immediate source of teachings.

Other (Mark and Luka) Part of the information has already taken indirectly. Obviously, the formation of the creed was stretched over time. It `s naturally. After all, for the "revolutionary explosion of ideas", during the times of Christ, the evolutionary process of mastering and developing these ideas by his students, who gave the teaching completed appearance. This is noticeable when analyzing the new Testament, whose writing continued until the end of the I century. True, still there are various books of books: the Christian tradition limits the writing of the sacred texts by a period of 2-3 decades after the death of Jesus, and some researchers stretch this process until the middle of the II century.

It is historically known that the doctrine of Christ extends to Eastern Europe in the 9th century. On Russia, the new ideology came from some kind of single center, but on different channels:

• from the Black Sea region (Byzantium, Chersonese);
• because of the Varangian (Baltic) sea;
• on the Danube.

Archaeologists indicate that certain groups of Russov accepted baptism already in the 9th century, and not in the X century, when Vladimir died Kievlyan in the river. Previously, Kiev was baptized Chersonesos - the Greek Colony in the Crimea, with which the Slavs supported close ties. The contacts of the Slavic peoples with the population of ancient Taurida with the development of economic relations were constantly expanding. The population constantly participated not only in the material, but also the spiritual life of the colonies, where the first exiles - Christians went into the link.

Also possible intermediaries in the penetration of religion in East Slavic lands could be goths moving from the shores of the Baltic to the Black Sea. Among them, in the IV century, Christianity was distributed in the form of Arianism Bishop Ulfil, who belongs to the translation of the Bible to the Gothic language. Bulgarian Linguist V. Georgiev puts forward the assumption that the Praslavyan words "Church", "Cross", "Lord" were probably inherited from the Gothic language.

The third way is the Dunny, who is associated with Chirill and Methodius enlighteners. The main leitmotif of Kirillo-Methodius teaching was the synthesis of achievements of Eastern and Western Christianity on the basis of Praslavansky culture. The enlighteners created the original Slavic alphabet, transferred liturgical and church-canonical texts. That is, Cyril and Methodius laid the foundations of the church organization on our lands.

The official date of the baptism of Russia is considered to be 988, when Prince Vladimir I Svyatoslavovich is massively baptized in Kiev residents.

Output

The emergence of Christianity is briefly described impossible. Too many historical mysteries, religious and philosophical disputes unfolds around this issue. However, the idea, which, bearing this teaching, is more important: human-minded, compassion, help neighbor, condemnation of shameful deeds. It does not matter how a new religion originated, it is important that she brought to our world: faith, hope, love.

Orthodoxy is one of the directions of Christianity, the cooked and organizationally issued in the XI century as a result of the separation of churches. In 1054, there was a split of the Unified Christian Church on Catholicism and Eastern Church. The East Church, in turn, was stripped into many churches where the largest today is Orthodox Church.

Orthodoxy arose in the territory of the Byzantine Empire. Initially, it did not have a church center, as the church power of Byzantium was concentrated in the hands of four patriarchs: Konstantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem. As the Byzantine Empire is collapsed, each of the ruling patriarchs was headed by an independent (autochefal) Orthodox Church. Subsequently, autochefal and autonomous churches arose in other countries mainly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

The Russian Orthodox Church has more than a thousand-year history. By legend, holy apostle Andrei Prozdnaya With the sermon, the Gospel stopped at the Kiev mountains and blessed the future city of Kiev. The spread of Christianity in Russia contributed to its neighborhood with the mighty Christian power - the Byzantine Empire. South Rusi was consecrated by the activities of the Saints Equal-Apostles Brothers Kirill and Methodius, apostles and enlighteners of Slavs. In IX, Kirill was created by Slavic ABC (Cyrillic) and together with his brother transferred to the Slavic language of the book, without which worship could not be performed: the Gospel, the Psalter and selected services. Based on the translations of Kirill and Methodius, the first written-literary language of the Slavs - the so-called staroslavyansky.

In 954 he accepted baptism princess Kievskaya Olga. All this prepared the greatest events in the history of the Russian people - the baptism of Prince Vladimir. At the end of the summer, 988 sv. Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich gathered all the Kievians on the shore of the Dnieper, in the waters of which the Byzantine priests were baptized. This event and entered the story as the "baptism of Russia", becoming the beginning of the long process of the approval of Christianity on Russian lands. In 988 under St. Prince Vladimir I was founded Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) as Russian Metropolia Konstantinople Patriarchate with a center in Kiev. Metropolitan headed by the Konstantinople Patriarch from the Greeks, but in 1051, for the first time, he was supplied to the First Prone metropolitan Hilarion., educated man of his time, a wonderful church writer.

Since the century, majestic temples are built. Since the XI century, monasteries begin to develop in Russia. In 1051, the Rev. Anthony Pechersky Brought traditions to Russia afono monasses, founding the famous Kiev-Pechersk Monastery, who became the center of the religious life of ancient Russia. The role of monasteries in Russia was enormous. And their main merit to the Russian people - not to mention their purely spiritual role - in the fact that they were the largest centers of education. In the monasteries, in particular, the chronicles were conducted, informed about all the significant events in the history of the Russian people. The monasteries flourished the iconography and the art of bookscript, transfers were carried out into Russian, theological, historical and literary works. The wide charitable activities of the monastic monastery contributed to their education in the people of Mercy and compassion.

In the XII century, in the period of feudal fragmentation, the Russian church remained the only carrier of the idea of \u200b\u200bthe unity of the Russian people, opposing the centrifugal aspirations and cross-briefs of the princes. Tatar-Mongol invasion "The greatest disaster, comprehended by Russia in the XIII century," did not break the Russian church. It has been preserved as real strength and was a comforter of the people in this difficult test. It was spiritually, financially and morally, she contributed to the recreation of the political unity of Russia - the collateral of the future victory over the enslavers. The preservation of the national identity and culture of the Russian people, a lot was promoted in the difficult years of the Tatar-Mongolian yoke and the western influences of the monasteries. In the XIII century it was the beginning Pochaevsky Lavra. This abode did a lot to approve Orthodoxy in Western Russian lands.

The emperor of Byzantium Mikhail VIII Paleologist was trying to conclude an alliance with Rome in the XIII century, subordinating to him the Byzantine Church in exchange for political and military support against the Turks. In 1274, in Lyon, the emperor representatives signed a document on the Union with Rome - Lyon-Laonia. Against the emperor, his subjects and church were made: Mikhail was excommunicated from the church and devoid of church burial. Only a small number of "Latinofones" - adherents of Western culture appealed to Catholicism.

After the Tatar-Mongol invasion of the Department of Metropolis in 1299 moved to Vladimir, and in 1325 - to Moscow. The union of the scattered Russian principalities around Moscow began in the XIV century. And the Russian church continued to play an important role in the revival of uniform Russia. Outstanding Russian saints were spiritual leaders and assistants of Moscow princes. Saint Metropolitan Alexy (1354-1378) brought up the holy prince Dimitri Donsky. He helped his authority helped the Moscow prince in the termination of feudal stem and the preservation of state unity. The great devotee of the Church of the Russian Rev. Sergius of Radonezh blessed Dimitri Donskoy to the greatest tariff - Kulikovsky battlewho served the beginning of the liberation of Russia from Mongolian yoke. A total of 180 new monastic monasons were founded to 180 new monastic monasons before Hiv. The largest event in the history of the Old Russian monastic was the foundation of St. Sergius Radonezh Trinity-Sergius Monastery (about 1334). Here, in this illustrious subsemore, the wonderful talent of the icon painter of Rev. Andrei Rublev was bloomed.

The unification of Lithuania with the Catholic Kingdom of Polish, proclaimed in 1385, led to the fact that legal, economic and political pressure on Orthodoxy in Western Russia began. Before this pressure failed to resist the significant part of the Orthodox bishops.

In 1439, in Florence under the pressure of the emperor, on the one hand, and Rome - on the other, the Greek hierarchs again signed a document on their subordination to the Roman throne.
Florentine Union was the straw for which the empire was trying to grab when the Turkish invasion was swept. Historically, this act and brought Byzantium no more benefit than the straw is drowning. The empire fell. Very soon, Constantinople Razorg Ulya. But she gave Rome legal arguments in a dispute with Orthodox churches, helped to create a network of schools for learning "Catholics of the Eastern Rite", prepare personnel of preachers and missionaries, to create a preaching literature intended for distribution in the Orthodox environment. Florentine Union, adopted by Byzantia in 1439, became a heavy blow to the canonical consciousness of Russians. Church canons prescribed obedience to the Universal Patriarch in Constantinople. Religious conscience did not allow to recognize the patriarch-apostate. Sania provided the Russian Church for good reason to gain independence. Metropolitan All Russia Greek Isidore, a hot supporter of Ulya, was arrested and later fled from Moscow. The Russians went to the extremely painful decision for them: in 1448, the Metropolitan of the Moscow and All Russia was put in the Cathedral of Russian bishops, and the Metropolitan of Russian Bishops was delivered by the Russian Patriarch. They became archbishop Ryazan Iona, elected to Metropolitan in 1441, but not approved by Constantinople. The era of autochefalia began - the full independence of the Russian Church. In the field of political ideology, this epoch is marked by the statement of the original version of the Byzantine theocratic idea (i.e. the ideas of the Universal Autocracy).

In the second half of the XV century was formed West Russian (Kiev, Lithuanian) Metropolis. In 1458, the West Russian Metropolitan is separated from Moscow Metropolis. It includes in addition to the Kiev Metropolis of 9 Orthodox Dioceses in Lithuania (Polotsk, Smolenskaya, Chernihiv, Turovskaya, Lutskaya, Vladimirskaya) and Poland (Galitskaya, Peremyshlskaya, Kholk).

Grand Prince Ivan III (1462-1505) married Sofier (Zoe) Paleologist, niece of the last Byzantine emperor Konstantin XI killed by the Turks. Ivan III first in Russia accepted the title of autocrat (the likeness of the Greek Imperial Title "Autocratry") and made the Russian coat of arms of the Byzantine double-headed eagle: Russia directly stated that he was inherited by the Orthodox "Empire Romeev". During the reign of Ivan III, the formula "God's Grace and Grand Prince" was sometimes added to his title. With his son Vasily III, the idea of \u200b\u200bthe Third Rome has gained a complete form in the prophecy of the elder of Pskov Savior-Eleazarov Monastery of Phyphlae: "... two Rome fell, and the third costs, and the fourth will not be." Ivan IV VasilyevichIn the history of Ivan Grozny, in 1547 in the image of the Byzantine emperors were married to the kingdom. It is noteworthy that this ceremony was committed to the Council. metropolitan Makaria, having mastered the royal crown on the head of the young Ivan IV. For the completeness of the Byzantine theocratic ideal of the church-state body with the "two chapters" (King and Patriarch), only the title of Patriarch for the Primate of the Russian Church was laid out. In January 1589 at the king Fedore Ioannovich(Son Ivan Grozny) Arriving in Moscow Patriarch Konstantinople Jeremiah put metropolitan Iova First Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. In the future, the increasing power of the Russian state promoted and an increase in the authority of the autochetal Russian church. Eastern Patriarchs recognized the fifth place for the Russian Patriarch.

After the fall of Byzantium (1553) and still RPC claims the title of "Third Rome".

In 1596, a significant number of Orthodox hierarchs in the territories of the former Russian principalities included in Lithuania and Poland took the Brest Ulya with Rome.
Higher hierarchs took the Catholic confession of faith, provided that their political and property rights will be expanded, and the former oriental rite is preserved.
Orthodox fractions, consisting mainly of the Mijan, and Cossacks became the stronghold of Orthodoxy on these lands. Brotherhood, among which the most powerful were Lviv and Vilenskie, and later Kiev, created their schools, typography. In Lviv, the Russian primitives led by Ivan FedorovArrived from Moscow. They made a huge contribution to the development of Orthodox Enlightenment in Belarus and Ukraine.
The bright track was left in the history of the Church of the Prince Konstantin Ostrogsky, who created an Orthodox educational center in an acute, and his associate Prince Andrei Kurbsky, who fled to Lithuania with Ivan Grozny. He urged the local Russian nobility to defend Orthodoxy in everybody.

HVII century began for Russia hard. From the west to Russian land invaded Polish-Swedish interventions. At this time, the Russian Church, as before, fulfilled his patriotic duty to the people with honor. Hot patriot Patriarch Ermogen. (1606-1612), tortured by the interventory, was a spiritual chief of militia Minina and Pozharsky. In the chronicle of the history of the Russian state and the Russian Church, the heroic defense of the Trinity-Sergiye Lavra from Swedes and Poles in 1608-1610 was inscribed forever.

In the period following the exile from Russia of the Interventory, the Russian Church was engaged in one of the very important internal problems - the correction of liturgical books and rites. Great merit belonged Patriarch Nikonu. Since 1667, the ROC is strongly weakened old Believer Collar. As a result of the split, the Russian Orthodox Church was separated from old Believers. The reason for the split became Reform of Patriarch Niconainitiative tsar Alexei Mikhailovichaimed at correcting liturgical books in Greek samples and establishing the uniformity of the church service. The reform actually affected only some minor elements of the ritual: two-purpose criste is replaced with a three-place, instead of "Isus" began to write "Jesus", along with the eight-pointed cross began to recognize four-peer. The reform caused a protest of a part of the clergy led by Protopop Avvakum. The protest found support among peasants, boyars, Streltsov. Opponents of the reform were committed to Anathema at the Cathedral of 1666-1667 and were subjected to cruel repression. Falling from persecution, supporters of old-believe, fled in the deaf seats of the North, Volga region and Siberia. In 1675-1695, 37 self-advocations were recorded, during which at least 20 thousand people died. The Avvakum Protopop was burned in Sirubi with like-minded people. Many defenders of the old faith took part in the Peasant War of S. Razin, Solovetsky uprising, the uprisings of K. Bulavin and E. Pugacheva.

In the XVII century, the main center of Orthodox education is not only on the former lands of the southern and south-western Russian principalities, but also the Kiev-Mogilyan Academy of Russia. Its name includes a family nickname that created the Academy of Metropolitan of Kiev Peter the grave. In the Orthodox editions of Kiev, Lviv, Vilnius noticeably the strong influence of the Catholic Theological Language. The fact is that with the destruction of the Byzantine Empire, a decline and education system at the Orthodox East came into decay. But at the Catholic West, it has developed unhindered, and many of its achievements were borrowed by the Kiev Theological School. Latin became "working" language, which relied primarily to Latin sources. The experience of the Kiev school and its theologians played a crucial role in the revival of Orthodox Enlightenment in Moscow Rus in the XVII century, when the wounds of the vague time were heard. In 1687, the Konstantinople Patriarch Dionysius and the Eastern Patriarchs sent a diploma arguing Kiev Metropolia to Moscow jurisdiction. The reunion of Kiev Metropolis with the Moscow Patriarchate occurs.

The beginning of the XVIII century was marked for Russia with radical reforms of Peter I. Reforms touched the Russian Church: After the death in 1700, Patriarch Adrian Peter I delayed the election of the new charter of the Church, and in 1721 established a collegiate higher church management in the face Holy Governing Synodwhich remained the highest church body for almost two hundred years (1721-1917). The responsibilities of the Primate temporarily performed Metropolitan Ryazan Stefan Yavorsky. The King Peter consciously did not hurry with the Patriarch supplied, waiting until his absence becomes usual. Holy Synod did not just replaced the Patriarch Board. This body has already directly submitted to the sovereign. The Russian state has become an empire, but not the Byzantine sample - with two chapters, and Western-with one chapter, secular. In the activities of the Synod, members of which were the persons of the spiritual title, the layman was participating - the Ober-Prosecutor, the "Eyes and Ears" of the Second Power. In the XVIII century, the church lost almost all of his land possessions, and her property fell under state control. The welfare of hierarchs, especially the members of the Synod, depended on the state salary. The priests were obliged to convey the authorities about everything that could pose a threat to the public system. If this information was received for confession, when the priest appears before God witnessed the repentance of a person in perfect sins, the confessor was to disclose the secret of confession - to make the fact that the church canons is considered a crime. Increased bureaucratic control of coupled with the official arbitrariness turned the clergy into a "intimidated estate". His authority in society began to fall. In the XVIII century, even convinced atheists were even convinced of the Ober-prosecutors.

In the XIX century, under the successors of Peter I, the church became the "department of the Orthodox confession" (this name of the church was on the papers of Holy Synod). Ober Prosecutor became the real leader of the Office of Orthodox confession.
At the same time, some mystery accompanies the lives of the Russian Church in the synodal period of its history (1721-1917): obeying new institutions, in their depths the church did not accept them. This rejection was not expressed in resistance - active or passive (although it was, and for him in the XVIII century a lot of hierarchs and laymen paid his head). In contrast to police and bureaucratic pressure in the church there were such phenomena in which the fullness of inner spiritual freedom focused.
So, the Russian Church of the XVIII century is consecrated by the wise geek of the saint Tikhon Zadonsky (1724-1783). Being a bishop, he was distinguished by absolute unconscious, modesty, special talent for the upbringing of the clergy, the rejection of ordinary corporal punishments at that time. Saint Tikhon became famous as a wonderful church writer, enlightenment and benefactor. He spent the last 16 years of life in the Zadonsky monastery "on the rest", and in fact - in continuous writings, combining a prayer feat with writing, taking pilgrims and causing patients. It is in this era that the revival of a special monastic feat of silent prayer begins - "smart doing". This tradition, originated in Byzantium and almost disappeared by the XVIII century in Russia, remained in Athos. From there she brought a Russian monk on Moldavia lands Paisius VelichkovskySubsequently - Archimandrite Nyametsky Monastery in the Carpathians. He is known and his spiritual and literary works.
The Russian Church paid special attention to the development of spiritual education and missionary on the outskirts of the country. The restoration of old and the construction of new temples was carried out. Many made Russian church scientists and for the development of such sciences as history, linguistics, oriental education.

The beginning of the XIX century is marked by quiet glory. rev. Serafima, Sarov Wonderworker (1753-1833). His frequency conversations with pilgrims are an example of necnight enlightenment, which opened an understanding of Orthodox faith and ordinary people, and scientists.
XIX century - the heyday of the oldity. In the church hierarchy there is no Elder's rank (teacher and mentor). The elder can not be appointed, they can not be pretended; The old man should be recognized as church people. Such recognition received units. Special glory acquired elders of the optical desert, which became the place of the present pilgrimage of the simpleness and intelligentsia. The elders were mainly monks, representatives of the black clergy. However, the elders and from the White, married clergy are known: for example, the Moscow priest Alexy Smera (mind. 1923).
The synodal period of the history of the Russian Church is the time of the emergence of a whole network of spiritual educational institutions, including academies. In the XIX century, their professors could make honor to any university and included well-known scientists.
In the same period in society, once ideologically almost one, a variety of ideological flows appeared, many of which were frankly anti-church. The development of capitalism in Russia and changes in the conditions of life destroyed the usual daily ritual associated with historical forms of Orthodoxy. The close relationship between the state and the church in Russia led to the fact that the established public, administrative and economic structures most of them would have merged into consciousness of people with Orthodoxy. Therefore, the protection of these structures and relations was perceived by many as defending faith, and their rejection was often associated with the rejection of the church. Protecting it by the state was often carried out by rude and clumsy ways, which only harmed Orthodoxy in the eyes of the innerians and people not familiar with him. For example, for a long time, civil servants were obliged to submit to the authorities of a certificate from the priest that they had fasted at the prescribed time and took Orthodox sacraments; There were laws that threatened the punishment for the transition of Orthodox to another faith, for example, in old co-investment. On the disadvantaged formalism in the Russian Church, the Russian Saints of the XIX century wrote about the decomposing influence on her life of the world's interests and sentiments Ignatius Bryanchaninov, FEOFAN SCLASHNIK et al. There are serious problems in the church demanding the Cathedral decision.
Nevertheless, the authorities persistently considered untimely convening a local cathedral and the restoration of the patriarchate in the Russian Church. The Cathedral was able to spend only after the February Revolution of 1917 (it opened only in August 1917 and took place until September 1918). The Council decided on the most important issues of church life. The Patriarchhood and St. Tikhon (1865-1925) were recovered in the Russian Church (1865-1925), he was elected by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. They made the election of the bishops with the clergy and the laity of the diocese, the use of not only Church Slavic, but Russian and other languages. Expanded the rights of parishes; Action plan to strengthen the missionary activities of the Church, the expansion of the participation of the laity in it. However, reforms began too late.
The atheistic state launched a planned struggle against the church. Decree of 1918. On the department of the Church from the state, the Church of the Rights of the legal entity and the right of ownership of property was deprived. At the same time, the church has undergone a number of splits (the largest of which, "Karlovaki", exists so far).

For the Bolsheviks, the Russian Orthodox Church a priori was an ideological opponent. During the civil war, in the 20-30s. The murders of the clergymen were massive. The crushing blow on the church was applied at the beginning of the 20th. The church was accused of refused to give church values \u200b\u200bto save people in the Volga region, suffering from hunger. In fact, the church did not refuse such assistance. She protested only against the plundering of temples and against abuse of shrines. Everywhere began to conduct courts over the clergy. During this campaign, a large number of hierarchs were convicted, including Patriarch Tikhon. Saint Veniamin, Metropolitan Petrogradsky, and many others were executed.

In the 20s The blow on the church was applied from the inside. Some of the priests hurried to abandon the Patriarchal Church, adopted Soviet power and in 1921-1922. Began the movement of "update". Activists of the renewed movement announced the creation of a "live church", sympathizing with the ideals of Soviet power and designed to update religious life. Some updates really sincerely wanted to believe that gospel ideals can be achieved by social revolution. The leader of the movement Alexander Vvedensky tried compliments to the address of the new government to put her vigilance to fight the worn. But the authorities were not inclined to humble with "religious propaganda". The dispute time has passed quickly, and the update, in the end, began to understand that they were used as an instrument in the fight against the church. In front of the authorities, the renewers emphasized their willingness to "serve the people." For the sake of the "approach to the people" arbitrary changes were made in the order of worship, the church charter was rudely broken. Even those changes in the life of the Church, who blessed the local cathedral of 1917-1918, took rude caricature forms. Of course, in two millennia, the existence of the Church of the rite has changed a lot, but innovations have never been an end in itself. Their task was to more fully reveal the unchanging faith of the church and transfer her teaching. Innovations have been more or less successful. But the update of the 20-30s. It became such a test and temptation for the Church, that with him in the minds of many believers have since become associated with any changes, even based on traditions.
Priests who did not accept the "renewal" movement and did not have time or not wished to emigrate, went underground and formed the so-called " catacomb Church"In 1923, the RPC radical update programs were considered on the Loading Cathedral of the renewal communities. The Cathedral was lowered by Patriarch Tikhon and the full support of Soviet power was proclaimed. Patriarch Tikhon subjected to anathema.

In 1924, the Supreme Church Council was transformed into an updated Synod led by Metropolitan.

Some of the clergy and believers, found by emigration, formed the so-called " Russian Orthodox Church abroad"(ROCZ). Until 1928, the ROCS supported close contacts with the ROC, but later these contacts were discontinued.

In the 1927 declaration, the ROC declared its loyalty to the Soviet government in civil relations, without any concessions in the field of faith. But it did not stop the repression. In the 1930s. The church was on the verge of extinction. By 1940, only a few dozen acting churches remained on the territory of the USSR, whereas on the eve of October 1917, about 80 thousand Orthodox churches operated in Russia. Many of them were destroyed, including the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, a gratitude monument to God for deliverance from the enemy and win in the Patriotic War of 1812. If in 1917 the Orthodox clergy numbered about 300 thousand people, but by 1940. Most priests were no longer alive.
Outstanding cultural figures, the best theologians of Russia or died in dungeons and camps, as a philosopher and theologian priest Pavel FlorenskyOr found themselves abroad as S. L. Frank, N. A. Berdyaev, Sergius Bulgakov and many others.
The authorities of the Soviet Union changed their attitude to the church only when the country's existence was under threat. Stalin mobilized all national reserves for defense, including the Russian Orthodox Church as a folk moral force. In a short time, about 10 thousand new arrivals opened. The clergymen, including the bishops, were released from the camps. The Russian Church did not limit himself only to the spiritual support of the security case in the danger of the Fatherland - she provided material assistance, right up to uniforms for the army, financing the Tank Column named after Dimitry Donskoy and Squadron Name of Alexander Nevsky. In 1943, the Russian Church again gained Patriarch. Metropolitan became them Sergius (Shergorodsky) (1867-1944). The rapprochement of the state and the church in the "patriotic union" was the reception of Stalin on September 4, 1943 of the Patriarchal Location of Metropolitan Sergius and Metropolitan Alexy (Simansky) and Nikolai (Yarushevich). From this historic moment began "warming" in the relations of the church with the state, but the church was incentive under state control, and any attempts to expand its activities outside the temple walls met adamant rebuff, including administrative sanctions.
The activity of Patriarch Sergius is difficult to describe unequivocally. On the one hand, his loyalty of Soviet power led to the fact that the authorities were practically not considered with the church, on the other hand, it was the Patriarch policy that was not only to preserve the church, but also made it possible to subsequent revival.
It was difficult to position the Russian Orthodox Church in the period of the so-called "Khrushchev thaw" (in the early 60s), when thousands of churches were closed through ideological installations throughout the Soviet Union.

At the Local Cathedral of 1971, reconciliation was reconciliated with the Old Believers.

The celebration of the Millennium of the Baptism of Russia In 1988 marked the sunset of the state-atheistic system, gave a new impulse of church-government relations, made the power of pre-warning a dialogue with the church and build relationships with her on the principles of recognizing her huge historical role in the fate of the Fatherland and its contribution to the formation of moral Ustiva nation. The genuine return of the people in the father's house began - people reached against Christ and His Holy Church. Archpastics, shepherders, laity became zealously work on the recreation of a full-blooded church life. At the same time, the absolute majority of clergymen and believers appeared extraordinary wisdom, endurance, persistence in faith, loyalty to Saint Orthodoxy, in spite of the difficulties with which the revival was associated, neither attempts to split the church, to break her unity, deprive her inner freedom worldly interests. The desire to conclude the Russian Orthodox Church in the framework of the Russian Federation and the associated national diasporas is given in vain.

However, the consequences of persecutions were very and very serious. It was not only to restore thousands of temples and hundreds of monasteries from the ruins, but also to revive the traditions of educational, educational, charitable, missionary, church and public ministry. To lead the church revival in these difficult conditions was destined to Metropolitan Leningrad and Novgorod Alexy, who was elected by the Secondary Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on the widowed after death His Holiness Patriarch Pimen The Heart Department. On June 10, 1990, the intronization of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II took place. Under his primitive omophore, the Russian Orthodox Church pushed the hardest work on the reconstruction of the persecution years. The bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church became a kind of milestone on this difficult path, on which the actual problems of church revival were freely discussed, decisions were made on canonical, disciplinary and challenge issues.

The Bishop Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church March 31 - April 5, 1992, held in Moscow, adopted a number of major decisions regarding church life in Ukraine and the canonical position of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. On the same cathedral, the beginning of glorification in the face of the holy new homeworkers and the confessors of the Russian, victims of Christ and his church during the years of persecution. In addition, the Cathedral accepted the appeal, which outlined the position of the Russian Orthodox Church on issues that worried about the society in the countries in which her flock lives.

The Bishops' Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on June 11, 1992 was convened in an extraordinary order to consider the case on charges of the Metropolitan of Kiev Filaret in anti-skewers who contributed to the split of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In a special \\ "judicial act \\", the Cathedral decided to spew from the Sana Metropolitan of Kiev Filaret (Denisenko) for the grievous moral and canonical crimes and learning to split in the church.

The Bishops' Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on November 29 - 2 December 1994, in addition to a number of decisions related to the inner church life, adopted a special definition \\ "On the relationship of the Church with the state and a secular society at the canonical territory of the Moscow Patriarchate Currently \\" in which I confirmed \\ The Cathedral also decided to proceed to the development of the \\ "comprehensive concept reflecting a generally worker view of the issues of church-state relations and the problems of modern society as a whole \\". The Cathedral noted the need to revive the missionary ministry of the Church and decided to develop the concept of the revival of the missionary activity of the Russian Orthodox Church.

The Bishops' Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on February 18 - 23, 1997 continued the works on the general terrorism glorification of new martyrs and Russian confessors. In addition, the development of the topic discussed at the 1994 Bishi Cathedral of 1994, which has identified the most important tasks and trends in church life, was obtained in the cathedral reports and discussions. In particular, the Cathedral confirmed the inviolability of the church position on the inadmissibility of the participation of the Church and its servants in political struggle. In addition, the prospects for the participation of the Russian Orthodox Church in International Christian Organizations, the problems of the missionary and social service of the Church, the threat of the proletic activities of foreign and innovative religious associations were discussed.

The Jubilee Bishops Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church began on August 13 - 16, 2000 in the hall of the Church Cathedrals of the recreated The church of Christ the Savior. The meetings of the Cathedral, completed by the solemn consecration of the temple, entered the circle of celebrations dedicated to the Great Jubilee - the 2000th anniversary of the coming to the world of the Lord and the Savior of our Jesus Christ. The cathedral became a unique phenomenon in the life of the Russian Orthodox Church in terms of the number and significance of solutions adopted by him. According to the report of Metropolitan of Kratytsky and Kolomensky, Jewenalia, Chairman of the Synodal Commission on the Canonization of Saints, it was decided to glorify for general workers in the face of saints Cathedral of new martyrs and confessors of Russian XX century, namely known and donnyne the world impatient, but led by God. The Cathedral considered materials about 814 devotees, whose names are known, and about 46 devotees whose names failed, but they are reliably known that they suffered for faith in Christ. The names of 230 previously glorious local saints were also included in the Cathedral of New Martyrs and Confessors of Russian for general workers. Having considered the question of the canonization of the royal family Nikolai II, members of the Cathedral decided to glorify the emperor Nicholas II, the empress of Alexandra and Chad them: Alexy, Olga, Tatiana, Mary and Anastasia as passion recorders in the Cathedral of Novomarticov and Russian confessors. The Cathedral decided on the generally terrain glorification of the devotees of faith and the piety of other times, the feat of the faith of which was different than that of novice people and confessors. The members of the Cathedral were adopted by the basic principles of the relations of the Russian Orthodox Church to Sex, prepared by the Synodal Theological Commission under the leadership of Metropolitan Minsk and Slutsky Philaret. This document was the leadership for clerics and the laity of the Russian Orthodox Church in their contacts with nonsense.

Of particular importance is the adoption of the Cathedral of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church. This document prepared by the Synodal Working Group under the leadership of Metropolitan Smolensky and Kalinigrad Kirill and was the first document of this kind in the Orthodox world, sets out the basic provisions of the Church's teachings on church-state relations and for a number of modern socially significant problems. In addition, the Cathedral adopted a new charter of the Russian Orthodox Church, prepared by the Synodal Commission on amending the charter on the management of the Russian Orthodox Church under the leadership of Metropolitan Smolensk and Kaliningrad Cyril. The church is currently guided by this charter. The Cathedral was taken by the Message to the Bogrolobybian Shepherds, Honest Atocure and all the faithful Chadam of the Russian Orthodox Church, the definition of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the definition of the situation of the Orthodox Church in Estonia and the definition of the issues of internal life and the external activities of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Now, Orthodoxy unites people of different education and education, representatives of different cultures and nationalities, adherents of various ideologies and political doctrines. Between theologians and individual groups of believers may have disagreements on the issues of dogmatic, the inner life of the Church, relations to other religions. The world sometimes invades the spiritual life of the church, imposing her priorities and values, it happens that the behavior of some Orthodox believers becomes a noticeable hindrance to the path of people to Orthodoxy.
History suggests that the Orthodox Church remained in the most difficult historical situations. Legal and economic conditions, ideological doctrines could favor its spiritual life and public service or disturb them. But these conditions have never been completely favorable and have never rendered a decisive effect on Orthodoxy. The content of the inner life of the Church primarily was determined by its faith and teaching. Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II said: "The church sees his mission not in a social structure ... And in the only one, from God to the commanded service to save the souls of human soul. This is its destination it performed at all times, with any state formations."

Orthodoxy (from the Greek "Proper Service", "Proper Doctrine") - one of the main world religionsis a direction in christianity. Orthodoxy took shape in first millennium from R. X. under the leadership of the Department of Bishop Constantinople. - the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Currently, Orthodoxy confess 225-300 million Man all over the world. In addition to Russia, the Orthodox religion was widespread on Balkans and Eastern Europe. Interestingly, along with traditionally Orthodox countries, adherents of this direction of Christianity are found in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and others. Asia countries (and not only people with Slavic roots, but also the local population).

Orthodox believe in God-Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is believed that all three divine hypostasis are in inseparable unity. God is the Creator of the World, which was created by him initially sinless. Evil and sin At the same time they are understood as distortions Arranged by the God of the world. The original sin of disobedience of Adam and Eve God was pickielon through incarnation, earthly life and criticism Son God Jesus Christ.

In understanding Orthodox Church - This is one god-human organism led by the Lord Jesus Christuniting people society Holy Spirit, Orthodox faith, the law of God, hierarchy and the sacraments.

Higher level of hierarchy Priests in Orthodoxy is Chin bishop. It he headschurch community on its territory (diocese), carries out a sacrament priest orders (Dedications), including other bishops. Circuit ordains continuously goes back to the apostles. More elder Bishops are called archbishops and Metropolitansand the supreme is patriarch. Lower Chin church hierarchy, after bishops, - presbyters (priests) that can perform all Orthodox sacraments In addition to ordination. Next go deaconwho themselves do not commit sacraments, but help In this presviter or bishop.

Clergy divided by white and black. Priests and deacons belonging to white clergy have families. Black The clergy is monksgiving vow celibacy. San Diacon in Monastic is called the name of the Ierodiakon, and the priest is Hieromona. Bishop can be only representative black clergy.

Hierarchical structure Orthodox Church Receive certain democratic procedures management, in particular encouraged criticism any spiritual person if it retreats from Orthodox faith.

Freedom of personality refers to the most important principles Orthodoxy. It's believed that the meaning of spiritual life man in the acquisition of initial genuine freedom From sins and passions he enslaved. The rescue Perhaps only under the action grace of God, given that free enforcement believer apps to them effort on the spiritual path.

For gaining salvation there are two ways. First - monasticconcluded in solitude and renunciation of the world. This is the way special ministry God, churches and the near associated with a stress struggle of a person with their sins. The second way of salvation - this is serving peace, primarily family. Family in Orthodoxy plays a huge role and called small Church or home church.

Source of domestic law Orthodox Church - the main document - is Sacred legendwhich contains sacred writing, the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures compiled by the Holy Fathers, theological writings of the Holy Fathers (dogmatic works), dogmatic definitions and acts of the Holy Universal and Local Councils of the Orthodox Church, liturgical texts, an iconist, spiritual succession, pronounced in the writers of devotees , their instructions about spiritual life.

Attitude orthodoxy to statehood built on approval that any power from God. Even during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, the Apostle Paul commands Christians to pray for power and read the king not only fear for the sake, but also for the sake of conscience, knowing that power is the establishment of God.

To Orthodox sacraments Believers: baptism, worldware, Eucharist, repentance, priesthood, honest marriage and amazing. Sacrament eucharist or communion, is the most important, it contributes acquaintance of man to God. Sacrament baptism- this is human entrance to church, getting rid of sin And the ability to start a new life. Miropomanazism (usually follows immediately baptism) is to transfer the believer blessing and gifts of the Holy Spiritwho strengthen a person in spiritual life. During Impressivethe human body acknowledges consecrated byewhat allows you to get rid of bodily ailments, gives leaving sins. Cobbing - associated with forgiveness of all sinscommitted by man, the past of liberation from diseases. Repentance- the forgiveness of sin under the condition sincere repentance. Confession - gives a gracious opportunity, strength and support for purification from sin.

Prayers in Orthodoxy can be like home and shared - Church. In the first case, a man before God reveals his heartand in the second - the strength of prayer increases many times, as it is involved in it saints and angelswho are also members of the Church.

Orthodox Church believes that the history of Christianity to the great split (separation of Orthodoxy and Catholicism) is the story of Orthodoxy. In general, the relationship between the two main branches of Christianity has always been quite difficultsometimes reaching frank confrontation. And even in the 21st century earlyspeak about full reconciliation. Orthodoxy believes that salvation can only be acquired in Christianity: at the same time uninforceable Christian communities Consider partially (but not completely) deprived of God's grace. IN difference from Catholics Orthodox do not recognize dogma infallibility of Pope Rimsky and his primacy over all Christians, dogma immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary, Teaching O. purgatory, Dogmat O. body Ascension of the Mother of God. An important distinction of Orthodoxy from Catholicism, which had serious influence on political historyis the thesis about symphony of the spiritual and secular authorities. Roman church Performs for complete church Immunity And represented by his high priest has a sovereign secular power.

Orthodox church organizationally represents community of local churches, each of which uses full independence and independence on its territory. Currently exist 14 autochefal churches., for example, Constantinople, Russian, Greek, Bulgarian, etc.

Church of the Russian tradition, adhered old ritesgenerally accepted before Nikonian reform, Wear a name Old Believer. Old Believers were subjected persecutions and oppressionwhat was one of the reasons that forced them to behave separed lifestyle. Old Believers existed in Siberia., on the North of European part Russia, by now the Old Believers settled around the world. Along with the features of execution orthodox rituals, excellent on demand Russian Orthodox Church (for example, the number of fingers who are baptized), the Old Believers have special lifestyle, eg, alcohol do not eat, do not smoke.

In recent years, due to globalization of spiritual life (distribution of religions on all world, regardless of the territories of their initial origin and development), there was an opinion that orthodoxy like religion losing competition Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Catholicism, as not enough adapted For the modern world. But probably, preservation of true deep religiosityinseciously connected with russian cultureand there is important purpose of Orthodoxywhich will allow in the future to find salvation by Russian people.