Activities of Parish Guardianships of Tobolsk Diocese in Second Third of 19th — Early 20th Centuries

Abstract

The article examines the issues of creation, functioning, and main directions of activities of parish guardianships of the Tobolsk Diocese in the second third of the 19th — early 20th centuries. The study is based on materials from federal and regional archives, as well as the “Tobolsk Diocesan Gazette.” It is noted that the organization of guardianships was part of the church reforms during the reign of Alexander II aimed at revitalizing parish life. The conclusion is drawn that the guardianships did not live up to the expectations placed on them. Despite their quantitative growth, parishioners preferred to allocate funds for decorating churches rather than improving the clergy’s standard of living. Even in the most affluent parishes, expenses did not focus on enhancing the priests' material well-being. The alienation of the clergy and laity, dissatisfaction of diocesan authorities with the possible loss of control over church revenues and expenditures, and priests’ fears that guardians might try to isolate them from parish affairs were reasons for this phenomenon. Nevertheless, the work of the guardianships prompted parishioners to rethink their rights regarding parish self-government and had a positive impact in this regard.

Keywords

• russian orthodox church
• orthodox public organizations
• synodal period
• parish guardianships
• charity
• clergy
• tobolsk diocese.