UDC

94(47).08«1890–1917»

Authors

Sergey N. Emel’yanov
State Museum of Political History of Russia;
Kronverkskiy prosp. 1, St. Petersburg, 190000, Russian Federation;
e-mail: batukom@mail.ru
Vadim V. Mikhaylov
Saint-Petersburg State
University of Aerospace Instrumentation;
ul. Gastello 15, St. Petersburg, 190000, Russian Federation;
e-mail: batukom@mail.ru

Abstract

Today, there are calls for the re-introduction of regular military priests in the Russian Army. This makes it important to study the establishment and functioning of the Spiritual Military Department of the Russian Imperial Army. The united department of military clergy was initiated in the mid-1880s by the military circles and the Chief Priest of the Army and Navy A.A. Zhelobovsky. On the 11th of July 1890, Zhelobovsky received the decrees of the Holy Synod about his appointment to the post of Protopresbyter of the Military and Naval Clergy and the transition of all the churches of the army and navy under his command. During his service there was established a Spiritual Board. Since the last quarter of the 19th century, a great deal of work had been done in the Spiritual Military Department. The main achievement was the improved material and living conditions of the military clergy and the enlistment of the best secular clerics. On the 22nd of April 1911, the Russian Imperial Army had a new protopresbyter – an outstanding priest G.I. Shavelsky – the first one with considerable experience in military operations. The leaders of the Spiritual Military Department had created a clear and coherent structure for the institute of military clergy, which was further improved and developed. In peacetime, religious rituals could be irregular, with the exception of regimental and garrison churches in large cities, where services were held on a regular basis. As part of their duties military clerics had to give Scripture lessons and general out-of-service talks and readings, as well as have individual conversations with sectarians. In battle, the regimental priest was located at the front dressing station: many military clerics were constantly present on the front line and engaged in combat. The valour of military priests during the war is evidenced by numerous facts of their awarding for meritorious service.

Keywords

Russian Imperial Army, military clergy of the Russian Empire, Protopresbyter of Military and Naval Clergy, A.A. Zhelobovsky, G.I. Shavelsky, Russo-Japanese War

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