An unknown page from the history of the orthodox press: the project of founding the newspaper ''Kolokol dukhovny'' (1898–1899)
Abstract
The history of the Orthodox periodical press in Russia, including the publications of the Holy Synod, dioceses, theological educational institutions, as well as the private press of church orientation, has not been fully investigated. Particularly interes ting in this regard is the case of the unrealised idea of the publication of Kolokol Dukhovny (“Spiritual Bell”), a newspaper by Aleksey Filippov. This case refers to a rather diffi cult period in the history of the church press at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The article analyses of the prerequisites for Filippov’s appeal for permission to open his own newspaper. The research is based on archival materials from the collection of the Main Directorate for Press Aff airs, as well as from the manuscript fund of Sergey Rachinsky. The article examines the history of the emergence of such an idea by Filippov, the programme of the proposed newspaper, Filippov’s contacts with representatives of the state and the church: Konstantin Pobedonostsev, Sergey Rachinsky, Mikhail Solovyov, Grand Duke Sergey Alexandrovich and other prominent persons. Particular attention is paid to Filippov’s peculiar views on the tasks of the press in general, on the problems of commercialisation and vulgarisation of mass newspapers, and on the “national question” in journalism. His inconsistency and certain hypocrisy in a number of issues are shown. It is concluded that there were no insurmountable obstacles to the resolution of the Kolokol Dukhovny (later Kolokol) in 1898–1899, but the general reluctance of Grand Duke Sergey Alexandrovich to allow new newspapers in Moscow led to a negative response from the Main Directorate for Press Aff airs to Filippov’s petitions. At the same time, Filippov learnt lessons from this situation and later found ways to acquire of newspapers and journals.
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