St. Innocent of Kherson and Archbishop Sophonias (Sokolsky): Intersecting Destinies and the Experience of Personal Relations (1825–1850)

Abstract

 

The article examines the history of the relationship between two prominent church figures of the Synodal era: St. Innocent (Borisov), Archbishop of Kherson and Taurida, and his disciple Sophonias (Sokolsky), who later became the first Archbishop of Turkestan and Tashkent. The study traces their connection during Sophonias's years as a student, professor, rector, and archimandrite. The chronological scope of the research covers the period from 1825 to 1850. Based on the analysis of epistolary and archival sources, the author reconstructs the stages of their personal and professional communication. The article characterizes their relationship across different periods: from the initial stage, when Archimandrite Innocent (Borisov), a professor at the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, became the mentor of student Stephan Sokolsky, to the time of Archimandrite Sophonias's service at the Russian Embassy church in Constantinople. Particular attention is paid to the correspondence between Archimandrite Sophonias and Bishop Innocent, as it reveals issues of church policy and personal experiences. The study concludes that the relationship of mentorship and spiritual friendship established during their academy years formed the foundation for further ecclesiastical cooperation and mutual support, influencing the formation of the future Archbishop of Turkestan's views. The research introduces previously unpublished materials into scientific circulation, shedding light on little-known pages of the biography of Archbishop Sophonias (Sokolsky) and his relationship with St. Innocent (Borisov).