A. L. Ordin-Nashchokin and the rise of charity movement in Pskov in the end of the 17th – first half of the 18th centuries
Abstract
This article deals with the contribution of the Abbot of Pskov Nikolo-Lubyatov monastery monk Anthony (the outstanding Russian statesman A. L. Ordin- Nashchokin) to the establishment of private charitable institutions in Pskov at the end of the 17th century. The article traces his interaction in the fi eld of charity with another prominent fi gure of the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich, namely the “gracious man” okolnichy F. M. Rtishchev. The article also looks into the moral infl uence on Pskov residents of the monastic service of the elder Antoniy Nashchokin, who built the church in honour of Mother-of-God of Kazan, as well as the largest charity institution in Pskov for 150 persons of both genders. The Christian example of Ordin-Nashchokin’s deeds of mercy animated Pskov residents, who carried on the charitable care for the poor, the sick, the elderly and the needy. This led to the emergence of a widespread charitable movement, in the course of which by the mid-18th century 37 hospitals and almshouses were established in Pskov; three of them were government-run and 34 were supported by representatives of all layers of society. The nobility had custody of 7 institutions, the clergy and tradespeople of 14 and 13 institutions respectively. On the whole, in Pskov almshouses simultaneously resided more than 400 people, i.e. approximately each 14th resident. The article draws on new documentary sources from both Pskov and metropolitan archives. It is accompanied by the table “Charity institutions in Pskov of the 16th — fi rst half of the 18th centuries” compiled on the material of census books, confessional records and poll-tax registers.
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