The Legal Status of the Orthodox Parish Clergy in the 19th – early 20th centuries (on the Basis of the Kyiv Diocese)

Abstract

The purpose of research is the study of the legal status of the Orthodox parish clergy on the example of the Kyiv diocese in the 19^th – early 20^th centuries. Methodological base of research is represented by general historical methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization) and the principles of objectivity, historicism and scientificity. Scientific novelty consists in a complex analysis of peculiarities of the  legal position of the Orthodox parish clergymen in the 19^th – early 20^th centuries. Conclusions. The government of the Russian Empire was taking measures to improve the legal status of the parish clergy (exemptions from paying taxes, military conscription; the abolition of corporal punishment; the permission not to use their houses for the stay of military units and the accommodation of soldiers, officers; the absence of land tax). The clergy turned into an isolated social group because of the government policy. The children of clergymen were required to be enrolled in theological educational institutions, the principle of replacing church positions was hereditary, marriages were usually concluded between people of the same stratum, the clergymen were subject to a separate church court. The priests’ refusal of being the part of a spiritual social group was difficult and unprofitable. Meanwhile, it became not easy to be ordained for representatives of other strata. In accordance with the law of 1869, the isolated status of the clergy was liquidated. That step was one of the instruments of the russification of Ukraine. The government got the opportunity to employ children of the clergy in administrative positions in the places, where there was a shortage of Russian officials. Despite juridical liquidation of the isolation of a social group, the overwhelming majority of children of clergymen and church workers continued their education at theological institutions. At the same time, the number of children of clergymen being oriented on the church-free career chose to study at secular institutions of education. The proportion of learners from other strata gradually increased at the institutions of theological education. However, the isolation of a social class was preserved.