«Russia is being openly destroyed by satanic forces...»: a memo from Archpriest Vladimir Vostokov to Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky)

Abstract

In this publication, the reader is offered a note compiled by a well-known participant in the White Movement in the South of Russia, Priest Vladimir Vostokov, in connection with the decision of the Supreme Church Administration Abroad on August 19, 1922 to execute Decree No. 348 of His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon and the united presence of the Holy Synod and the Supreme Church Council on the abolition of this very Administration. The decree became a turning point in the history of the Russian Church Abroad in the direction of its separation from the Moscow Patriarchate and the violation of its internal unity. In addition to discussing the decree, Father Vladimir makes a lengthy digression into history, describing the events of the Russian Revolution and the Civil War, assessing the leaders and participants of the White Movement, inevitably touching on the Jewish question, as well as the reasons for the defeat of the White Movement.

Keywords

• russian orthodox church
• russian orthodox church abroad
• clergy
• russian revolution
• civil war in russia
• monarchism
• nationalism