An unknown “hero” of the struggle against the Old Believers in the Olonets Province under Governor Valerian Muravyov

The significant decline of the Old Believers in the Olonets Province is commonly attributed to the efforts of Governor Valerian Muravyov. However, the unique documents presented in this article not only identify the individual whose relentless efforts drove this outcome but also allow for an assessment of the scope of his work. This individual was an official assigned to special duties under Governor Alexander Smirnov, who was awarded for his contributions at the end of 1856. Through his efforts, detailed information was collected in 1853 and 1854 regarding the situation of the Old Believers in the Povenets and Petrozavodsk uyezds, and later a comprehensive review covering the remaining uyezds of the Olonets Province was prepared. He was an essential participant in all activities undertaken by Governor Muravyov against the Old Believers. In 1856, he proposed establishing an Orthodox monastery in Danilovo. The eventual dismantling of the largest Old Believers’ centers in the European North – the monasteries in Danilovo and on the Leks – can be regarded as the primary achievement of his efforts.