Revolutionary events of the early 20th century through the eyes of the orthodox clergy
(by the materials of Penza diocesan journal 1905–1910) 

Sergey V. Domnin, Rector, Penza Theological Seminary of the Penza Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church (4 Perekop street, Penza, Russia), E-mail: serafim.mitr@gmail.com

Background. The relevance of the chosen topic is determined by the need to study the experience of overcoming crisis trends in the context of modernization of Russian society and the search for ways to ensure unity and harmony at the present time. The pur-pose of the study is to analyze the perception and historical assessments by the Orthodox clergy of the revolutionary processes of the early 20th century, as well as the role of the Russian Church in the public life of the country on the eve of the collapse of the empire. Materials and methods. The article analyzes the views of representatives of the Orthodox clergy on the causes and background of revolutionary events, the relationship of the Rus-sian Church with different segments of society and political parties. The materials of the Penza Diocesan Journal (1905–1910) were used as a source for studying this problem. The research methodology is based on the principles of a systematic approach to the considera-tion of issues of the history of everyday life in Russian society. The diachronic method was used to analyze the problem in historical retrospective, and the synchronic method allowed us to show the position of the Russian Church against the background of historical events. Results. The article examines the attitude of the Orthodox clergy to the problems of the revolutionary movement, characterizes the views of specific priests on the causes of politi-cal instability in Russian society and ways to overcome the social crisis. Conclusion. An analysis of the publications of the Penza Diocesan Journal allows us to conclude that from 1905 to 1908 the authors of the journal were looking for answers to three “eternal” ques-tions of Russian history: “What is happening?”; “Who is to blame?”; “What should I do?”. Against the background of revolutionary events and the crisis of the synodal system, the authors noted the growing contradictions in the church environment, the bureaucratization of the Russian Church, the decline in the public authority of the clergy; pointed to the need for church reform and renewal of parish life. A peculiar “revolutionary situation” within the Church itself manifested itself in the formation of dissatisfaction among a significant part of the clergy with the policies of the Holy. Synod and the Chief Prosecutor. The first Russian Revolution was estimated as “anarchy”, “political turmoil”, “public misfortune”. In the context of the growing confrontation of classes and fierce controversy of various po-litical parties, the clergy tried to determine their social status and role in the coming chang-es. Church authors emphasized the closeness of the clergy to the intelligentsia, which was often criticized, and the peasantry. The Russian Church tried to correlate Christian ideals with politics, as it was forced to look for its platform among the programs of other parties. The political doctrines of the left-wing parties were criticized by church authors, some of whom emphasized the incompatibility of socialism and Christianity. However, there were opinions that the clergy could not withdraw from participation in public and political life.

Russian Orthodox Church, Penza Diocesan Journal, Orthodox clergy, revolu-tion, liberation movement

Domnin S.V. Revolutionary events of the early 20th century through the eyes of the orthodox clergy (by the materials of Penza diocesan journal 1905–1910). Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy. Povolzhskiy region. Gumanitarnye nauki = University pro-ceedings. Volga region. Humanities. 2025;(1):100–109. (Russ.). doi: 10.21685/2072-3024-2025-1-9