The Activity of Orthodox Brotherhoods in the Western Russian Dioceses of the Russian Empire in the Context of Confessional Issues after the Adoption of the Manifesto ‘On Strengthening the Principles of Religious Tolerance’ from 1905 to 1909 (based on the

Abstract

1905 was marked by changes in confessional legislation in the Russian Empire. The Orthodox Church, as during the previous centuries and at the beginning of the 20th century, continued its ministry, but already amid freely conducted activity of other religious organizations. In connection with these changes in some regions of the Russian Empire, there was an aggravation of interfaith relations. This was also the West-Russian region, where, after the adoption of the confessional manifesto, an aggravation of interfaith relations between Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics followed. Orthodox brotherhoods played a special role in the defending of Orthodoxy from pro-Latin and pro-Polish forces in the West-Russian dioceses of Orthodox Church. They contributed to the strengthening of Russian nationality and language in the Western territories of the Russian Empire. Their support of Orthodox clergy was a major aspect of the development of Church’s educational activity, school, basic and professional education, social work and charity. The brotherhoods became especially popular and useful after the modification of the confessional legislation in April 1905. This article concerns the activity of the Orthodox brotherhoods in the West-Russian region in 1905–1909 according to the church journals.