The Emergence of the Old Believers: new online course
In the 17th century, Patriarch Nikon of Moscow introduced reforms into the Russian Orthodox Church, which led to the so-called Old Believer schism. The consequences of this schism were enormous and remain relevant to this day.
- What are the reasons for the schism in the Russian Church? Who were the main participants in the events? What was the context of these events?
- How did the Church reforms of the 17th century affect the history of Russia and the Orthodox Church?
- Who are the Old Believers? How are they different from other Orthodox believers? What groups of Old Believers exist today?
The goal of the course is to provide an overview of Patriarch Nikon's reforms, together with their historical, socio-political and religious contexts and their consequences, and to examine the emergence of the Old Believers.
- The course will be interesting for students of the history of Russia and the Russian Church and theology.
- This course will provide a good foundation for anyone interested in Russian Orthodoxy, especially for people who are interested in learning about and discovering ancient piety and rites of the Russian Church as practiced by many saints of Holy Rus.
- This is an interdisciplinary course in the fields of theology, Church history, and general Russian history.
The class will be taught by Deacon Phillip Calington, Doctor of Theology (PhD) (St. Sergius Orthodox Theological institute in Paris), resercher of Church history, liturgy, the Old Believers, and the schism in the Russian Church of the 17th century.
Important information:
- Classes are held in the Distance Learning System on the Moodle
- Duration of the course: 7 weeks (November 8 - December 24, 2021)
- Discount for the first group - 30%: launch price for the applicants in October 2021 - 100 EUR* (Full tuition fee: 150 EUR)
Learn more about the course and submit your application: