Contents: (1) Overview of Moscow Period;
(2) Tatar Yoke (1240-1480); "Благоверный" Count of Chernigov Michael and Boyar Feodor (+1426); (2.1) Holy "Благоверный" Count Alexander Nevsky;
(3) Metropolitans; (3.1) Metropolitan Cyril II (1243-1280); (3.2) Holy Metropolitan Peter (1308-1326); (3.3) Holy Metropolitan Alexey (1354-1378);
(4) Russian Church obtains Independence; (4.1) Division of Russian Metropolia; (4.2) Independence of the Russian Church (1448); (4.3) Holy Metropolitan Iona (1448-1461);
(5) Heresies and Splits; (5.1) Correction of Church Books; (5.2) Christianity in Kazan and Astrakhan (1552); (5.3) Holy Metropolitan Phillip II (1566-1569);
(6) Patriarchate in Russia; (6.1) Establishment of Patriarchate (1589); (6.2) First Patriarch Iov (1589-1607);
(7) Troubled Times; (7.1) Patriarch Germogen (1607-1612); (7.2) Contriburions of Sergievskaya Lavra during Time of Impostors; (7.3) Patriarch Philaret (1619-1633);
(8) Schism in Church; (8.1) Patriarch Nikon (1652-1681); (8.2) Correction of Divine Services Books.

1 -- Overview of Moscow Period
The Moscow period lasted 460 years (1240-1700). It began with the capture of Kiev and transfer of the Church Seat to Moscow. The Mongol yoke lasted 240 years (up to 1480). The Russian lands, Russian people and Russian Church fell under and endured the horrible Tatar yoke, physical and spiritual destruction. Besides this they twice had to defend themselves from armies that wished to convert them by force to Catholicism.
    During this period the Russian Church became independent (1448) and appeared Russian metropolitans were appointed (Metropolitan Iona [Jonah]). These metropolitans were elected by a Sobor [Council] of Bishops of the Russian Church, instead of the Patriarch of Constantinople.
    After long meetings of the Zemsky Sobor the son of metropolitan Philaret, the sixteen-year old Michael, was selected. On February 21st, 1613 Michael Fedorovich Romanov (1613-1645) was solemnly proclaimed to be the Russian Tsar. This is how the Russian House [family] of Romanov's started to reign in Russia. At first his father, Metropolitan Philaret, ruled for him.
    Later the first patriarch of the Russian Church (Iov [Job] in 1589) was appointed. Iov was installed by the Patriarch of Constantinople and this way the Russian Church received its full independence, that is called autocephaly. Subsequent patriarchs were elected by the episcopate of the Russian Church and without the intervention of the Patriarch of Constantinople.
    During the Moscow period the church books were corrected (1666) and a schism developed.
    The Moscow period ends with the death of Patriarch Adrian (1700) and the installation of the Holy Synod by Emperor Peter.

2 -- Tatar Yoke (1240-1480)
In the middle of 13th century (1237-1240) Russia was overcome by a great tragedy - the invasion of the Mongols. A large part of the "княжеств" [counties] was devastated and its population killed. Churches were plundered and desecrated; the well-known Kiev Lavra was destroyed; the monks were scattetred in woods and caves. The Tatar yoke lasted for 240 years (1240-1480).
    The Mongols were indifferent to all religions. A basic rule in their life was the book Yasa which contained the laws of the great Chingiskhan [Genghis Khan]. In it there was a law that required one to respect and fear all gods, no matter whose they were. Therefore in the "Horde" (territory under the control of the Mongols) any religious services were freely performed.
    Although khans were indifferent and even respectful towards Christianity, they still demanded that our counts perform some rituals. For example: passing through cleansing fire, worshiping images of dead khans, the sun and a bush. According to Christian understanding, this was a betrayal of the faith. Some of our counts chose martyrdom and death, rather than perform the pagan rites. This happened with count Michael and the boyar Feodor [Theodore](+1426). They demanded from Michael that he worship idols and he refused. At first they tortured him, and then cut off his head. His last words were "I am a Christian". His boyar Feodor was martyred in the same way.
    The memory of the Holy Martyrs Michael, Count of Chernigov, and his boyar Feodor is observed two times a year: on the day of their repose on September 20th/October 3rd and on the day of the transfer of their relics on February 14/27th.

2.1 -- Holy "Благоверный" Count Alexander Nevsky.
Among the counts, founders and defenders of the Russian land and advocates of the holy Orthodox faith and the Church, during the Mongolian yoke, Saint "Благоверный" [app. Faithful to God] Count Alexander Nevsky was especially famous.
    The son of Great Count Yaroslav, he was born not long before the Mongolian invasion, in 1220. Under the direction of his pious mother, Holy Countess Feodosiya, he received a good education for that time, which had a deeply religious orientation. The Lord blessed him with wisdom, courage and bravery. He was tall, handsome and possessed a vibrant voice. From childhood Alexander was taught the military sciences [warfare]. His childhood and his youth he spent in Novgorod where his father reigned as a count. In 1236, when he was 17 years old, he became Count of Novgorod.
    At that time the Novgorod region remained free from Tatar destruction, but it was subject to intensified onslaughts by the neighbors from the West: Lithuanians, Germans and Swedes. Holy Count Alexander had to fight against them for the independence of the Russian land, and the freedom of the Russian Orthodox Church from an encroachment on her by the popes.
    Crusade against the Russian lands. The Roman popes decided to take advantage of oppression and in weakness of Russia, in order to submit her to their authority. In 1240 a large Swedish army landed on the shores of the river Neva.
    Small Novgorod militia, led by young Count Alexander. Count Alexander told his warriors "God is not in might, but in the truth", and "we will not be frightened by many soldiers, because God is with us". The Novgorod militia won the battle and drove away the enemies. Because of this battle Holy Count Alexander became known as Nevsky.
    Latin world attacks again. Soon the Western Latin world again moved against Orthodox Russia. At that time "Ливонский" [Livonia: present-day Latvia] order of "Меченосцев" [literally Sword Bearers], was spreading Catholicism by force among the peoples on the Baltic coast. This semireligious, semimilitary order attacked the Russian land. Holyt Count Alexander Nevsky collected an army and confronted the enemy. At first he freed Pskov, and then on April 5th, 1242 he smashed the enemy on the ice of "Чудское озеро" [Chudskoye Lake]; the famous "Ледовое побоище" [Ice Slaughter].
    The memory of Holy "Благоверный" Great Count Alexander Nevsky is observed twice a year: on the day of his repose on November 23rd/December 6th and on the day of the transfer of his relics on August 30th/September 12th.

3 -- Metropolitans.
Some of the most outstanding metropolitans during the Mongolian yoke were:

1. Metropolitan Cyril II (1243-1280) (governed for 37 years)
2. Holy Metropolitan Peter (1308-1326) (governed for 18 years)
3. Holy Metropolitan Alexey (1354-1378) (governed for 24 years)

3.1 -- Metropolitan Cyril II (1243-1280) (governed 37 years).
Metropolitan Cyril governed the Russian Church right at the beginning of the Mongolian yoke. A lot of grief and difficulties fell on his shoulders. Kiev was ruined and exposed to constant attacks by the Tatars, and the Sofia cathedral and other churches were plundered and devastated.
    He constantly travelled throughout his extensive metropolia. Almost everywhere he saw ruins of dwellings, churches and monasteries. With great sadness he noticed various disorders in the personal and public life of Russians, which were due to the Tatar devastation. The metropolitan constantly taught, edified and corrected.
    Wishing to eradicate these disorders, in 1274 in Vladimir, he called a Sobor [Council] of bishops, in which many rules regarding the Church and morality of the people were established. Metropolitan Cyril obtained a Slavic copy of the Church rules ("кормчую") [The Rudder] and distributed it in Russia. In 1267 Metropolitan Cyril received from the khan an "ярлык" [edict] for the Church and clergy. In the edict, the khan exempted both "черное и белое духовенство" [black and white clergy, monastic and married clergy] from taxes and other collections and forbade anyone to "ругать" [curse] the Orthodox faith.

3.2 -- Holy Metropolitan Peter (1308-1326)(governed 18 years).
Saint Peter was born in "Волынь" [Western Ukraine] to a pious family. At the age of twelve he entered a monastery.
    In 1305 Metropolitan Maxim died and the Patriarch of Constantinople installed Saint Peter to be the Metropolitan of all Russia, and not only of Galich [present-day Western Ukraine].
    During the reign of Metropolitan Peter, there was a change of religion in the Horde, the Uzbek Khan embraced the Muslim faith. This change could have had serious consequences for Russia; the attitude towards the Church could change for the worse. Saint Peter, worrying about the Church, went to the Horde to see the khan and with God's help was very successful. The Khan received him well and gave him a new "ярлык" [edict] by which not only the former rights were retained by the clergy, but new ones were added. All church people were subjugated to the metropolitan in all affairs, including criminal ones.
    The memory of Holy Peter, Metropolitan of Kiev is observed on the day of his repose on December 21st/January 3rd (1326), and also together with other Moscow metropolitans "Saints Peter, Alexey, Iona [Jonah], Germogen and Filip [Phillip], Metropolitans of Moscow and all Russia" on October 5/18th.

3.3 -- Holy Metropolitan Alexey (1354-1378)(governed 24 years)
Holy Alexey was born in Moscow and was baptized with the name Elevfery. When he was 13 years old, young Elevfery decided to devote himself to the service to God and become a monk with the name of Alexey. Twenty years he stayed in the monastery and became known to the count and the metropolitan for his wisdom and "подвигс" [spiritual feats].
    Not long before the death of metropolitan Feognost [Theognost] (1363) Saint Alexey was consecrated as the Bishop of Vladimir and, upon Feognost's death, he became the metropolitan's replacement.
    Holy Metropolitan Alexey governed the Church during a dangerous time for the country. The authority of the Great Count, which was established in Moscow, had weakened and even had passed into the hands of others.
    Caring for the good of the Church and the country, Saint Alexey three times travelled to the "Орда" [Horde]. Once the wife of the Khan, "Тайдула" [Taydula], was very sick for three years and became blind. Khan Chanibek wrote to the Great Count, asking him to send Metropolitan Alexey to heal Taydula. If this would not be done the khan threatened to devastate the Russian land. Saint Alexey had to go. After the arrival in the Horde, he served a moleben for the sick Taydula and when he sprinkled her with holy water, she suddenly regained her sight. As a memorial of this miracle in Moscow stands the "Чудов монатсырь"[*] [Chudov Monastery], built in the Kremlin by the saint on the land presented by Taydula. [* "Чудо" in Russian means "miracle"].
    The memory of Saint Alexey, Metropolitan of Moscow, is observed on the day of his repose on February 12th/25th and also, as was told above, together with other Moscow metropolitans "Saints Peter, Alexey, "Иона" [Jonah], Germogen and "Филипп" [Phillip], Metropolitans of Moscow and all Russia" on October 5/18th.

4 -- Russian Church receives independence

4.1 -- Division of Russian Metropolia
Galician and Lithuanian counts wanted to have their own metropolitan and made a request to the Patriarch of Constantinople. In the 14th and 15th centuries sometimes they would received a another metropolitan. This caused a turmoil in the Church, but each time with the death of one of the metropolitans, a new one would receive the whole Church and there would be peace. However at the time of metropolitan "Иона" [Jonah] in the 15th century there was a complete separation.

4.2 -- Independence of Russian Church (1448)
In the 15th century Byzantium had a difficult time. Turks from all directions were moving towards Constantinople. Seeking help from the West, the Greeks agreed to a "уния" [union] with the Roman Church. Emperors and a majority of the bishops signed the Florentine "уния", but the Greek people did not accept it.
    For the Russian Church a Roman Catholic cardinal, Isidor Uniate, was sent who started the Divine Service at which he commemorated the pope's name. At this point Great Count "Василий" [Basil] publicly called him a heretic and ordered his arrest. The Sobor of Russian bishops condemned Isidor and he had to run away to Rome.
    After the flight of Isidor, the Sobor of Russian bishops decided not to request Constantinople for a new metropolitan and elected him independently. And so, in 1448 the first Russian metropolitan of Moscow was elected -- metropolitan "Иона" [Jonah].
    The expelled Isidor continued his intrigues from Rome. He managed to send the Uniate metropolitan "Григорий" [Gregory] to Kiev. When the new metropolitan arrived in Kiev, he saw how strong the Orthodox faith was over there and renounced Rome, and submitted to the Patriarch of Constantinopole. Since then, in Russia there are two metropolias: the one in Moscow, independent of Constantinople and the Kievan dependent on Constantinople.
    The memory of Saint "Иона" [Jonah], Metropolitan of Moscow is observed on the day of his repose on June 15/28th, and also as was told above, together with other Moscow metropolitans "Saints Peter, Alexey, "Иона" [Jonah], Germogen and Filip [Phillip], Metropolitans of Moscow and all Russia" on October 5/18th.

4.3 -- Holy Metropolitan Iona (1448-1461)
Holy Metropolitan "Иона" [Jonah] took on the monastic vows at the age of 12. In the monastery he did various obediences and become famous for his wisdom and "подвиги" [ascetic feats].
    Metropolitan "Фотий" [Photius] placed Iona as the Bishop of Ryazan. After the flight of Isidor, Iona became the Metropolitan of all Russia. The new Patriarch of Constantinople recognized the independence of the Moscow metropolia from the Greek Church and she, the Russian Church, became independent.
    The memory of Saint "Иона" [Jonah], Metropolitan of Moscow is observed on the day of his repose on June 15/28th, and also as was told above, together with other Moscow metropolitans "Saints Peter, Alexey, "Иона" [Jonah], Germogen and "Филипп" [Phillip], Metropolitans of Moscow and all Russia" on October 5/18th.

5 -- Heresies and Splits

5.1 -- Correction of Church Books
The Russian Church, from the very beginning, had or service and prayer books in the Slavic language, due to the efforts of saints "святых равноапостольных] [Equal to the apostles] "Кирилл" [Cyril] and "Мефодий" [Methodius]. From the time of "Ярослава мудрого" [Yaroslav the Wise] in Russia, church books were translated from the Greek. But with time, various mistakes appeared and also errors in performing the Divine Services.
    At that time books were not printed, but copied by hand. Copyists sometimes were not very literate, and naturally made errors. Besides that, during the Tatar yoke literacy had fallen significantly. There arose a need in the correction of church service books.
    In the beginning of the 16th century, Maxim the Greek, a learned monk was called to Moscow from one of the monasteries on Mountain Athos. At first he was given the task to look over and establish an order in the great count's library. Then he was given the task to correct the church service books. In correcting the books Maxim was horrified by how many mistakes that he had noticed.
    When Maxim the Greek announced about the errors he had found, many arose against him, and not only from the people, but also from the clergy and even Metropolitan Daniel.
    A Sobor was called (1525) in which he was condemned as a heretic and was banished to a monastery. "Преподобный" [Holy monk] Maxim died in 1556 after thirty years of suffering.
    With the aim of correcting the mistakes in the books and the disorders at divine services, tsar "Иоанн Васильевич Грозный" called several Sobors [Councils]. Among them the best known is the "Стоглавый собор" [Council of 100 Chapters] (because of the book "Стоглав" [one hundred chapters] which contained some resolutions of this Sobor). At this Sobor the necessity for the correction of the books was clearly realized. Only partial measures were adopted; it was resolved that "протопопами" [app. senior priests] and senior priests would check the holy and church service books in individual churches and when necessary would correct them. Unfortunately, such partial measures could not lead to a full correction of all church service books.

5.2 -- Christianity in Kazan and Astrakhan (1552)
After the fall of the "Золотой орды" [Golden Horde], the relation with the Tatars did not improve. Constant attacks were made from both Crimea and from Kazan. Because of this the Russian people could not live peacefully in their home. The entire eastern and southern regions of the country were in constant fear of Tatars' attacks. "Царь Иоанн IV Васильевич" (1533-1584) (later known as Terrible) decided to put an end to this and to annex Kazan to Russia.
    So, in 1552 a very important event for the Church and the country took place, the conquest of Kazan Tatar empire. Russia and the Church suffered about three centuries under the yoke of the Tatars.
    On October 2nd the city of Kazan was taken by storm. It is notable, that the first terrible explosion at the capture of the city occurred when the deacon in the tsar's field church read from the Gospel: "and there will be one herd and one shepherd". The conquered city was consecrated with a religious procession around its walls and dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. Up to 60 thousand Christians, who suffered in Tatar captivity, received freedom.
    It was ordered to build churches. In the place where stood the tsar's banner with the image of "Спаса нерукотворенного" [Savior not made by hand, also Image not made by hands], -- a church in honor of this icon was to be constructed. In the middle of the city -- to construct a church in the name of the "Благовещения Божией Матери" [Annunciation of the Mother of God]. In the place where soldiers had fallen in the battle and were buried, the monastery (Zilantov) was founded. The Tatars saw the miracles that were occurring and many of them were baptized.
    Three years after the conquest (1555) in Kazan the archbishop seat was inaugurated. The holy faith became firmly established in this Moslem city and in the surrounding regions. The triumph of Christianity was aided significantly by the appearance of the icon "Казанской Божией Матери" (1571), and also by the many miracles which accompanied this event. The icon was probably buried by some Christian who was in the Tatar's captivity.
    In 1557 Astrakhan was taken and the Kingdom of the Astrakhan Tatars was conquered.
    The conquest of the Tatar kingdoms was a great national achievement. Peace came to all the eastern borders of the state. Captured Russian prisoners were returned from Kazan.
    The memory of the Kazan icon of the "Пресвятой Богородицы" [Most Holy Mother of God] is observed on October 22nd/4th November, and on the appearance of the icon on July 8/21th.

5.3 -- Holy Metropolitan "Филипп" [Phillip] II (1566-1569)(3 years)
After joyful events for the Church and the country, the conquest of the Tatar kingdoms of Kazan and Astrakhan, came difficult times. Tsar "Иоанн" [John] IV "Васильевич", after the death of his meek wife Anastasia, became grim and stern. Suspecting people of betrayal, he surrounded himself with "опричники" (tsar's bodyguards) and took for himself several cities and several streets in Moscow, as his own special property. These "опричники", without punishment, offended and robbed peaceful citizens.
    Saint "Филипп" [Phillip], in the world "Феодор" [Theodore], came from a well known boyar family by the name of "Колычевых" [Kolychevykh]. From early childhood, he grew fond of spiritual books, was distinguished by mildness and humility and avoided entertainment. Because of his noble birth, he was often in the tsar's palace. His mildness and piety left a strong impression in the soul of his contemporary "Иоанн" [John]; the future tsar "Иоанн Грозный" [Ivan the Terrible].
    Phillip was ordained a "пресвитер" [presbyter, priest] and a "игумен" [hegumen, abbot]. In this holy position he zealously took care of the well-being of the monastery. Tsar Ioann Grozny heard about the work of "игумен" Phillip and called him to Moscow to take the office of metropolitan. Phillip at first did not want to, but then agreed.
    And so, Phillip became metropolitan. In the beginning of Phillip's service, the horrors of the "опричина" ceased, but not for long. After a while robberies and murders of peaceful citizens started again. Phillip several times, in private conversations with the tsar, tried to make him understand, but seeing that talks did not help, decided to accuse him publicly.
    On "Крестопоклонная" [third Sunday of Great Lent] Sunday, during the liturgy, Ioann entered the church with his oprichniks and approached Phillip for a blessing. Instead of giving a blessing the metropolitan accused Ioann in front of everybody. Terribly angry John left the church, but concealed his anger for a while.
    Once, the oprichniks entered the cathedral where Phillip was serving and announced that he is being defrocked from the holy order. Then he was dressed in torn monk's robes and sent to a monastery. Later, in the monastery, he was killed by one of Ioann's agents.
    The memory of Holy Phillip, Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia is observed on January 9/22th, and also as it was already told above, together with other Moscow metropolitans "Saints Peter, Alexey, "Иона" [Jonah], Germogen and Phillip, Metropolitans of Moscow and all Russia" on October 5/18th.

6 -- Patriarchate in Russia

6.1 -- Establishment of Patriarchate (1589)
The Russian Church during metropolitan Iona (1448) obtained independence from the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Church was ruled by Russian metropolitans elected by the Council of Bishops of the Russian Church.
    From that time, the Russian state improved in many respects. There was a final freeing from the Tatar bondage. The Moscow Russia at that time was the most powerful Orthodox state and the Greek patriarchs often asked her for help.
    In 1589, Iova [Job], Metropolitan of Moscow was solemnly elevated to the patriarchal office. At first Iova ruled the Russian Church as a metropolitan (1586-1589), and then as a patriarch (1589-1607) (3 years and 18 years).
    Divine Providence prepared for the Russian Church and the people, in their patriarchs, the keepers and advocates of the Orthodox faith and the public good, during the difficult times of boyar disorders and impostors (during the break of the direct line of the "Рюрикова" [Riuriks]). The first two patriarchs were distinguished by the struggle with Jesuits, Poles and impostors.
    In the Russian Church there were 11 patriarchs.

6.2 -- First Patriarch Iova (1589-1607)(18 years)
Iova at first ruled the Russian Church as a metropolitan (1586-1589), and then as a patriarch (1589-1607) (3 years and 18 years).
    Church affairs, at the time of the establishment of the patriarchate, were in disorder. Patriarch Iova, in 1594, called a Sobor [Council] in which a plan was made for Church improvement. Despite the large authority given Iova as a patriarch, he was soft spoken, mild and kind. Large part of his funds he gave to the poor. Iova cared for the "просвещение" [enlightenment] of the people. During his time many church books were printed.
    Patriarch Iov supported tsar Boris Godunov and his son Feodor and, therefore, as soon as the "лже-Дмитрий" [false Dimitry] occupied Moscow, he deposed patriarch Iova and jailed him in a monastery. When the impostor was killed and the Poles expelled from Russia (during Patriarch Germogen), Patriarch Iov, already a blind elder [old man], was solemnly returned to Moscow to absolve the people from their oath of allegiance to the impostor. The people repented and the patriarch absolved them.
    Patriarch Iov returned to the Staritskaya monastery and died on March 8th, 1607.

7 -- Troubled Times

7.1 -- Patriarch Germogen (1607-1612)(5 years)
Germogen (or Yermogen) at first was a parish priest in Kazan. Soon he widowed and became a monk. In 1589 he was consecrated to be Metropolitan of Kazan and Astrakhan. Here he labored for the benefit of the Holy Church and the cities of Kazan and Astrakhan, which only recently had been enlightened with the light of Christianity.
    Trouble is brewing. During Boris Godunov's time big trouble was brewing in the country. At the same time there the presence of a strong ruling hand in the affairs of the church was absent. Patriarch Iov [Job] (1589-1607) was quite old and also blind.
    First Impostor. The impostor "лже-Дмитрий" [False-Dmitry] (First), easily took hold of Moscow's throne, due to the quarrelling of Russia's boyars and discontent with Boris Godunov's rule. He started to carry out his secret plan to bring Russia into "уния" [union] (that is to recognize the Roman pope). When the impostor married the Catholic Marina Mnishek, Metropolitan Germogen insisted that she converts to Orthodoxy. The metropolitan was defrocked and jailed in one of the Kazan's monasteries. But this did not last long since the impostor was soon overthrown by the boyars and killed.
    Count and tsar "Шуйский" [Shuysky] and Patriarch Germogen. The aging count "Василий Иванович Шуйский" (1606-1610) was declared the tsar. Feeling that he was on shaky ground he required support of strong Church [spiritual] ruler. This is why he brought Metropolitan Germogen from exile in Kazan and a "освященный собор" installs him as the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.
    Being on in years, the seventy year old Patriarch Germogen received a difficult inheritance. The political disorder and the absence of a firm Church authority demoralized Russian society and Moscow clergy.
    The Patriarch, by all possible means, supported tsar Vasily Ivanovich Shuisky in the struggle against the second impostor. Soon rebellious boyars forced Vasily to take monastic vows. Germogen was the first one to propose the idea to ask Michael Fedorovich Romanov (the son of metropolitan Philaret) to become the tsar.
    Rule of the Seven Boyars. After the overthrow of tsar Vasily, Russia remained without a tsar and was governed by a "боярская дума" [boyar board]. There were seven boyars and this is why their rule was called "Семибоярщина" [Rule of the Seven Boyars], and the period is called "междуцарствие" [mid-reign, interregnum] (1610-1613).
    Second Impostor. Very soon appeared the second impostor, nicknamed the "Тушинский вор" [Tushinsky Thief] (Second False-Dmitry). He was called Tushinsky because his camp was in the village of Tushino, near Moscow. He collected an army of "thieves", that is runaway peasants, and all kinds of tramps. The "army" of the thieves was joined by Lithuanians, Poles and cossacks and they marched on Moscow.
    Polish Sigismund III in Moscow. The Tushinsky Thief and his forces stood near Moscow and the boyars, not seeing any way out, called Vladislav, the son of king Sigizmund III to the throne in Moscow. The Poles drove away the Tushinsky Thief, entered into Moscow and Sigismund decided he wanted to govern Moscow.
    Germogen's Dispatches. Patriarch Germogen started to send out "граматы" [dispatches] to all the cities in which he called the Russian people to free Moscow from the Poles. One of the patriarch dispatches was received in Nizhny Novgorod. Zemsky "староста" [head] "Козьма Минин" [Kozma Minin], read it after the liturgy to the people and exclaimed: "Orthodox people, let us not spare our lives, nor our property, everything we have, we will give for our Orthodox Faith and Holy Russia"! These words made a big impression on the people. People started to bring clothes, expensive things and money. A "ополчение" [people's militia] was assembled. The command of the people's militia was entrusted to Count Pozharsky, and Kozma Minin became the keeper of the treasury. Other cities responded to the appeal and the people's militia movement became national.
    Death of Patriarch. The Poles demanded from the patriarch that he stop the Nizhni Novgorod People's Militia, under the command of Minin and Pozharsky, from going to Moscow. "Let there be God's mercy on them and a blessing, because of our humility", firmly and courageously answered the patriarch. They locked him in a cell and starved him to death (February 17th, 1612). After 300 years Patriarch Germogen was canonized a saint by the Church.
    People's Militia. The People's Militia reached Moscow and began a siege. In Moscow a big famine set in and after two months on October 22nd/November 4th, 1612 the Poles surrendered.
    Kazan' Mother of God. The People's Militia who freed Moscow had with it the miraculous icon, the Mother of God of Kazan. This is why October 22nd/November 4th is considered a holy day of the Kazan miraculous icon.
    Monument. In the center of Moscow, in the Red Square, near St.Vasily Blazhenny Church (St. Basil's), there is a monument to Minin and Pozharsky with the inscription: "To Minin and Pozharsky, a grateful Russia".
    Memory of St.Germogen. The memory of St.Germogen, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia is observed on February 17th/March 2nd, and as mentioned above, together with other Moscow metropolitans "Saints Peter, Alexey, "Иона" [Jonah], Germogen and "Филипп" [Phillip], Metropolitans of Moscow and All Russia" on October 5/18th.
    Anniversary of freeing Moscow. The anniversary of the freeing of Moscow is observed on October 22nd/4th November: "Observance of the "Kazan" icon of the Most Holy Mother of God, for freeing from the Poles in 1612".

7.2 -- Contribution of Sergievskaya Lavra during "Times of Impostors"
The Russian Church was always in close contact with the people and the state, it never separated from them and always served for their true benefit.
    During the times of the impostors, all the Russian clergy rose to protect their faith and the fatherland. Especially great service to the Church and the state was rendered by the monastery called "Троицко-Сергиева Лавра".
    During the "Смутного времени" [Troubled Times] this monastery contributed 65,000 roubles (a huge sum for that time). Part of this money was sent to Moscow when the Lavra was defending the approaches to Moscow and itself underwent siege from the Poles. This siege lasted 16 months (from September 1608). The Lavra was besieged by 30,000 men, a well trained army, and in the monastery there were no more than 2,500. The defenders were exhausted from famine and illnesses but did not surrender. God's power, by the prayers of St. Sergius (who often appeared to the besieged) helped, and the Poles could not seize the monastery.
    After the siege, the monastery gave shelter to crowds of looted and wounded peasants. The monastery, from a fortress, became a refuge (shelter for the poor and sick).
    Just as patriarch Germogen sent "граматы" [dispatches] to all the cities, which called the Russian people to free Moscow from the Poles, similar dispatches were also sent from the Lavra.
    When the "келарь" [cellarer, food-master] of the monastery, Avraamy, learned of the approach of the Nizhni Novgorod People's Militia to Moscow, he went out to them, and inspired them with fiery speeches.

7.3 -- Patriarch Philaret (1619-1633)(14 years)
As soon as Moscow was freed from the Poles, it was decided to elect a tsar. In the "Земской собор" [Zemsky Council] 16-year old Mihail [Michael], the son of metropolitan Philaret, was elected. On February 21st, 1613 Michael Fedorovich Romanov (1613-1645) was formally proclaimed the Russian Tsar. This is how the Romanov house [family] started to reign in Russia.
    As it was said earlier (7.1 - Patriarch Germogen) in 1612 Patriarch Germogen was starved to death by the Poles. After his death the Church was governed temporarily by two metropolitans; first by Efrem of Kazan, and then by Iona [Jonah] of Krutitsa. Russia was without a tsar and without a patriarch.
    At this time, the father of the new tsar, metropolitan Philaret of Rostov, was in Polish captivity. As soon as peace with Poland was established, metropolitan Philaret returned from captivity (1619) and soon was installed as Patriarch of all Russia. Smart and energetic, he helped his inexperienced son to govern the country. Patriarch Philaret and his son were both called "Великие Государи" [Great Sovereigns]. Under the insistence of the patriarch "Земской собор" was called and measures were taken to establish order in the Russian land. For example: reconciliation with Poland, Sweden and the Tatars, ending of internal mutinies, restoration of the ruined cities, increase in public revenues and military forces. The country was in ruins, and it was difficult to govern. Therefore the "Great Lords" were constantly calling Zemski Sobors and governed the Moscow state with the help of the whole country.
    Everything beneficial that was done for Russia in the first half of the reign of Michael Feodorovich, was made due to the direct and active participation of Patriarch Philaret. He was not only the adviser, but also a "соправитель" [co-ruler] (one who governs together with another). His name was written together with the tsar's, reports were made to both, and foreign ambassadors were also presented to both.
    At the patriarch's residence were the same customs and employees as at the tsar's. Patriarchal departments were established to deal with: courts, church business, state and palace affairs. In general the authority and significance of the patriarch reached, during Philaret's time, extraordinary power and significance.
    Patriarch Philaret founded the first diocese in Siberia and established the patriarchal Greek-Latin school at the Chudovo monastery. The publishing of church material in Moscow comes to life. Books are republished with corrections, church service books, such as the "trebnik". New educational format books are printed, for example the "Big Catechism".
    Later during the time of tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, restrictions to the patriarchal authority and the rights of the clergy emerged.
    Грамота 1613 г.

8 -- Schism in Church

8.1 -- Patriarch Nikon (1652-1681)(29 years)
Patriarch Nikon (baptized Nikita) was born in 1605 and was the son of a peasant. He lost his mother early in life and suffered much from a nasty stepmother. In childhood he read many spiritual books and decided to become a monk. At the age of 12 (twelve) he secretly left to a monastery. Here he surprised everybody with his strong character and "подвиги" [ascetic feats].
    Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich (1645-1676) was struck by his zeal for the good of the Church and the fatherland, his firm and open character, a lucid mind, extensive knowledge, strict life rules and finally his majestic appearance. The tsar liked him as a friend and in order to become closer to him, he transferred him to the Novospassky monastery in Moscow.
    For about three years Nikon was the metropolitan in Novgorod. In churches here he organized excellent singing, introduced slow and distinct reading, organized a printing press, four "богодельни" [poorhouses] and during the famine, every day, fed the poor in the court yard.
    Nikon became Patriarch in 1652. During the first five years of service Nikon was a close friend of the tsar. Without the Patriarch, as in the days of Philaret, not a single state affair was decided. For his services the tsar granted Nikon the title of "Великого Государя" [Great Sovereign]. This title was even higher than Philaret's. The position of the patriarch became completely equal to the tsar's position.
    Having the support of the tsar, Nikon built three monasteries. In this high position, Patriarch Nikon stirred up many enemies, especially the boyars. At this time foreign non-orthodox customs were penetrating into Russia, and Nikon criticized them without hesitation. At the same time the patriarch also aroused against himself strong hatred from the adherents to old customs by his correction of the Divine Service books and church customs.

8.2 -- Correction of Divine Service Books
Before patriarch Nikon, the errors in Church books were corrected very slowly. When Nikon became patriarch he began correcting the Church books very carefully.
    When the more essential service books were corrected, in order to review them, patriarch Nikon called a new Sobor [Council] (1656). At this Sobor, together with the Russian prelates two other patriarchs were present - the Antiochian Makary and the Serbian Gabriel. The Sobor approved the newly corrected books and ordered all churches to introduce the new ones, dispose of the old ones and burn them.
    The former leaders of the book-correcting effort became enemies of the patriarch because their work looked inadequate and backward. They started to spread rumors among the people that Nikon was not correcting but damaging the faith. Patriarch Nikon was irritated by this resistance and subjected some of these people to severe punishments. They appeared to people to be martyrs for their faith.

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Примечания [Notes].
[П1] Notes in square brackets were not part of the original Russian text. They are various translations, notes in Cyrillic and others.
[П2] Russian Alphabet (SE-03)