Publishing and Censorship Activities of Archpriest Ioann Yakhontov (1819–1888)

This article, based on archival documents, examines the spiritual-literary and censorship activities of one of the prominent clergy members in the second half of the 19th century — Archpriest Ivan Yakhontov. In 2023, it marked the 135th anniversary of his death, and in 2024, the 205th anniversary of his birth. As a member of the St. Petersburg spiritual-censorship committee in 1857–1858, Father Ivan demonstrated himself as an outstanding specialist in the field of spiritual literature, handling literary activities with caution, attention, and professionalism. The article suggests that it was his literary talent and exemplary censorship work that led to his appointment as the editor of the journal “Dukhovnaya Beseda” (Spiritual Conversation), a periodical publication of the St. Petersburg Theological Seminary. Essentially, it served as the official publication of the Holy Synod and the St. Petersburg Metropolis until 1875.