The criteria for selecting candidates for episcopacy in pre-Mongol Russia: a few traits to the picture of the religious life in old Russian society

In accordance with ancient ecclesiastical precepts and practices, a key figure in church organization is a bishop. The situation in Old Russia in this respect was not an exception. The selection of candidates for vacant bishop sees represented an important stage in the life of the metropolitanate in general and the church community of the city in particular. The present article attempts to identify the specific criteria required by city dwellers and their princes for candidates to occupy the bishop sees.