Russian Christians without Clergy: Who are the Bespopovtsy?

Abstract

The bespopovtsy are Orthodox Christians without clergy. They hold the belief that the reign of the Antichrist on earth invalidates the priesthood and sacraments (except baptism) of any Christian Church. This belief emerged in response to the liturgical reforms undertaken by the Orthodox Church in Muscovy, which they deem to have introduced unacceptable alterations to traditional rites. Consequently, the bespopovtsy contend that following the death of the last clergymen ordained according to the rite preceding the reform, genuine priests no longer exist in the world, leaving Jesus Christ as the sole guiding priest for believers. Bespopovtsy communities are organized into communes overseen by regulators, and their places of worship are termed molenna. Due to the absence of a clerical hierarchy, various distinct communities rapidly evolved within the bespopovtsy group.