One of the most significant events in the history of Orthodoxy was the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia. The growth and influence of the Russian church in the Christian world was already especially marked by the end of the 16th century. The soil was created by the Ferrara-Florentine union, which was concluded in the 15th century by the Byzantine church with the Vatican, after which the Russian metropolis began to independently elect its first hierarch. Moreover, in 1453 the Patriarchate of Constantinople became completely dependent on the Turkish sultans. In this it was impossible not to see the great Providence of God: Russia became the only independent Orthodox state.
The history of the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia
The very idea of the emergence of the Moscow Patriarchate is very closely connected with the establishment of autocephaly of the Russian Church. After the Moscow Metropolis received an independent status from the Greeks, the entire Orthodox world recognized the exceptional importance of the Russian Orthodox Church as the most influential and numerous.
This happened not only in evidence of the strengthening of the spiritual significance of Russia, but also in strengthening faith before the upcoming trials of the difficult times of the Time of Troubles. The Russian Church will create that powerful spirit and popular power that will enter the struggle against foreign invaders and Catholic aggression.
It was clear to everyone that soon the patriarchal throne would be proclaimed in Moscow. In this regard, tense relations arose with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which was offended by Russia because of the transition to autocephaly and did not want to admit it.
However, without the consent of the Eastern Patriarchs, independently proclaiming the Russian Metropolitan as the Patriarch would be an unacceptable and illegal matter. In the capital of the king, it was easier to legitimize by force, but the establishment of a patriarchate without a positive decision of the leading departments was unrealistic.
Historical circumstances only further influenced the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia during the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich (son of Ivan the Terrible). Fedor reigned (he spent most of his time in prayers, his Christian upbringing did not want to come to terms with the harsh realities of the political life of the state, as a result, his name was canonized), and Boris Godunov (brother of the wife of Tsar Fedor, Irina Godunova) ruled.
Boris Godunov
A very ambitious person was Boris Godunov. At the same time, he was a great statesman who created a program to reform the Russian state, which could enhance his power and prestige. Unfortunately, this Godunov’s enterprise did not have a solid spiritual foundation, and often his orders were executed by unacceptable means morally (and to all this he was accused of the murder of Tsarevich Dmitry, although there is no direct evidence). In addition, the Russian people were greatly impoverished in the spiritual and moral sense after the oprichnina, and therefore was far from all the grandiose plans of their rulers.
Nevertheless, Godunov wanted to see Russia as a great power and was able to complete the affirmation of the patriarchate.
Start
The first stage of preparation began with the arrival in Moscow in 1586 of the Patriarch Joachim of Antioch. The Godunov diplomats were actively baking about this. But before that, he visited the borders of Western Russia and saw the Catholic onslaught of the Commonwealth, which practically ruined the church life of the Kiev Metropolis (literally on the eve of the Union of Brest). In royal Moscow, he saw the true greatness and glory of the Third Rome. Patriarch Joachim was greeted with great honor and respect, he also came for alms, since his department had a debt of eight thousand gold. Godunov took advantage of this moment and began to embody his plan - the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia.
Metropolitan of Moscow Dionysius
Upon arrival Joachim did not make himself felt Metropolitan of Moscow Dionysius. Most likely, he was in conspiracy with Godunov and played the script. The patriarch was sent to the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. There in front of him in all his splendor in luxurious clothes at the service Metropolitan Dionysius appeared, who first blessed the Patriarch of Antioch, but he was suddenly offended. The alms seeker was shown who the true primate of the great Church is.
Here Godunov enters the game, who begins to conduct secret negotiations with Joachim, the main theme of which is the introduction of the patriarchate in Russia. The date of this grand event was already very close. Joachim was not ready for such conversations, but promised to consult with the Eastern patriarchs. Moscow at this stage was satisfied.
Fight
The final word was for Constantinople (Istanbul). Dramatic events developed there. One after another the patriarchs were overthrown, temples were plundered by the Turks, all means were plundered. The money and messages of the Moscow sovereign were lost somewhere.
The Patriarch of Constantinople Jeremiah began to restore the new patriarchate, but he had money for this. And he decided to act like Joachim and also went to Moscow with outstretched hand. However, he did not know about the early negotiations regarding the creation of the Moscow Patriarchate. And it all started again: the same scenario was played out, as with its predecessor. Jeremiah was almost a year under house arrest in luxurious conditions in Belokamennaya.
Patriarch Job
In general, this meeting became crucial for the Russian church. The plight of the Patriarchate of Constantinople played in a positive way on the introduction of the Patriarchate in Russia.
In Moscow, by this time, as in Istanbul, some changes had occurred. Godunov deposed Metropolitan Dionysius in 1587 in connection with the boyar conspiracy, the rebels demanded the divorce of Tsar Fedor and his wife Irina Godunova due to infertility.
The place of Dionysius was taken by the Rostov archbishop Job, as a result, on January 23 (February 2), 1589, he will become the first Patriarch of All Russia. Already in our time, in 1989, his name will be canonized.
In 1721, Peter I abolished the patriarchate: it will be restored only in 1917 at the local council, and Saint Tikhon will be elected patriarch. Then the Bolshevik period will be difficult for the Russian church. After Tikhon's death, another cathedral was not held. Only in 1943 did this become possible, and Sergius (Starogorodsky) became the head of the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Kirill became the 16th Patriarch of Russia.
Thus, the official introduction of the patriarchate in Russia (year 1589) took place in the 16th century.