Some aspects of life of prosphora bakers from the clergy of the Tobolsk diocese in the 19th and early XX century

The study addresses some aspects of the life experience of female prosphora bakers from the clergy in the Tobolsk diocese, Russian Empire, in the 19th and early 20th century. The research objectives were to investigate opportunities and difficulties that women faced trying to get the job of a prosphora baker, and to find out reasons why women would seek this position. The sources of information for the research were previously unexamined archival documents preserved in the State Archives in Tobolsk. General scientific, historical and special methods of records management were also used. The main problem for jobseekers was the fact that one parish most often required only one prosphora maker, and there were usually more people willing to take this position. It was up to the diocesan authorities to decide which candidate needed the job more, but the parishioners could also take part in the hiring process by submitting their letter of consent. In the modern period of Russian Orthodox Church’s resurgence, it is especially important to study how the clergy would manage their daily living needs in dioceses. The positive experience of the past can help improve the system of social relief in our time. The results of the research can be useful to archivists in their professional activities and to educators in developing courses on the history of Russia and records management.