Social and political peculiarities of the origin and spread of old belief and Old Russian sectarianism in Penza province (XVII - early XIX centuries)

In the article the spread of Old Belief and Old Russian sectarianism in the territory of Penza province in ХVII - early ХIХ centuries is analyzed. The establishment of the Penza eparchy took place in specific conditions, first of all, it was the end of the development of the Volga region lands by Russians. The absence of established Orthodox traditions attracted Old Believers and Old Russian sectarians from other regions of the country. The research shows that the attitude of the government to Old Believers during that period was ambiguous. On the one hand, the authorities desired to strengthen the role of the official church, on the other hand, Old Believers were allowed to function freely. But the main reason for the spread of Old Belief and sectarianism was a frequent change of "the spiritual centre" in Penza province. Constant changes in the eparchy structure and its governance, certainly, narrowed possibilities of the Orthodox clergy to restrain activities of Old Believers and sectarians.