Activities of diocesan congresses of the Orthodox clergy in 1909–1918 (based on materials of Tambov Diocese)

This article, based on materials of Tambov diocese, demonstrates the work of diocesan congresses of the Orthodox clergy in 1909–1918. Having studied the historiography of the issue, the author notes the need to supplement and generalize the existing regional and church-wide information about the activities of diocesan congresses. In this regard, similar materials from Tambov diocese become relevant. Using a systematic analytical approach and the principle of historicism, the work traces the changes that occurred in the formation of the composition of diocesan congresses of the Orthodox clergy during this period. The article analyzes the journals and minutes of the work of congresses of the Orthodox clergy, published in the Tambov Diocesan Gazette. Despite the fact that these documents are in the public domain, many of the materials are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The author discovers changes in the regulations, agenda of meetings and the nature of the activities of congress deputies. Using the example of the Tambov diocese, headed during the period under review by Hieromartyr Kirill (Smirnov), the influence of the bishop and the spiritual consistory on the process of discussions that took place during the meetings is examined. The author comes to the conclusion that the inclusion of heterodox deputies, even with a limited transformation of the structure and format of the congresses, created the preconditions for a broader discussion at the meetings and ultimately contributed to the solution of social and economic problems of the diocese.