Holy Synod and 9/22 January 1905

Abstract

The paper analyses public statements of the Holy Synod and bishops of the Russian Church about the events of January 9/22, 1905. Sermons and other papers in Church periodicals explained these event as revolutionary riots largely with foreign support. Members of general public were deceived by revolutionaries, and became collateral victims then riots were suppressed by the military. That was a part of the viewpoint of Russian government, that considered revolutionary movement is Russia as instigated by Britain as a part of the traditional policy of containment of Russia, which intensified during Russo-Japanese war of 1904–1905. That viewpoint was articulated in press and was conveyed through diplomatic channels. Thus, publications in the Church press were seen as representing the official Russian viewpoint. They immediately became the target of media propaganda campaign waged by British and other European papers. In Russia the liberal press followed the suit and initiated the campaign of condemnation of the Holy Synod statements, which was a safer way of anti-governmental propaganda. Russian dissident media in Europe also condemned the Synod and demonstrated solidarity with Britain.