Russian Church Schism and the Old Believer Movement

Name: Russian Church Schism and the Old Believer Movement
Start: 1660
End: 1669

Type Event Region Eastern Europe Time 1660–1669

In the 1660s, after Patriarch Nikon's liturgical reforms were condemned by the Moscow Council of 1666–1667, Russian Orthodox society split deeply;…

Timeline

1653–1665Moscow · RussiaPatriarch Nikon revised the sign of the cross, chanting, and icons along Greek Orthodox models, sparking fierce debate in monasteries and among the people over 'tradition' versus 'alienation'.
1666–1667Moscow · RussiaThe Moscow Council of 1666–1667 ruled Nikon's reforms lawful but deposed and exiled him, failing to heal the already intensified liturgical opposition.
1667–1669Parishes and monasteries throughout Russia · RussiaArchpriests such as Avvakum and many believers refused the official church, clung to old rites, and suffered persecution; Old Believer communities spread rapidly along the Volga, in the North, and elsewhere.