Views and activities of Dmitry Ivanovich Bogolyubov in the context of discussing the issue of Common Faith (based on the Acts of the Local Council of 1917–1918)

Abstract

The article examines the participation of the renowned Russian missionary, future archpriest, professor, and spiritual mentor of the Moscow Theological Academy Dmitry Ivanovich Bogolyubov in the proceedings of the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church during 1917–1918, with particular attention to his speeches regarding issues related to the Common Faith. The author provides a concise biographical sketch of D. I. Bogolyubov, emphasizing his achievements prior to 1917 that warranted his inclusion as a Council member, while also delivering a historical overview of the state of E the Common Faith at the dawn of the twentieth century. Through an analysis of D. I. Bogolyubov’s address at the session of the Sixth Department on February 8/21, 1918, the author concludes that Dmitry Ivanovich belonged to the faction of “progressives” who regarded the Common Faith as a legitimate ecclesiastical community requiring, among other things, the appointment of a bishop. In support of the Common Faith episcopate distinct from the Orthodox episcopate, D. I. Bogolyubov advanced religious and psychological arguments. He contended that the Common Faith would find it difficult to accept a bishop unfamiliar with their daily life, customs, and particular worldview. Indirect evidence further suggests that D. I. Bogolyubov advocated for the establishment of separate the Common Faith dioceses. Overall, D. I. Bogolyubov’s speech is distinguished by its vividness and coherence, reflecting not only theoretical acumen but also practical expertise concerning the issue. While the position expressed by him and his like-minded associates did not ultimately determine the decisions of the 1917–1918 Council, it undoubtedly exerted a significant influence upon them.