The burgomaster B. G. Menshagin and revival of orthodox church in Smolensk region during the German occupation in 1941-1943

Article is devoted to research of features of revival of Orthodox Church in the occupied Russian territories in the years of World War II. On the basis of unique historical sources is studied the essential role of the burgomaster of Smolensk B. G. Menshagin in renewal of church activity in Smolensk region during the German occupation. The reasons and actors of this process are reflexed. Analyzed is B. G. Menshagin’s contribution to a reconstruction of Church and its structure in the Smolensk region which in the 1930s was actually completely destroyed by bolsheviks. Emphasized is the objective approach of Menshagin in the description of Church reality, the characteristic of clergy and the intra church relations. B. G. Menshagin’s religious intensions are actual for forming of a modern adequate paradigm of relationship of the pastor with believers, and also interaction of Church and society. Also within an event context is narrated about Menshagin’s value in investigation of the Katyn massacre.