Origins of the Johanite Movement: Case of the Peasant Woman Pelagia Kabanova Accused of Incorrect Veneration of Fr. John of Kronstadt

The article examines the investigation case of the peasant woman Pelagia Kabanova from the Kostroma province. She spread rumors among local residents about the approaching end of the world, talking and enticing people to go to Kronstadt to see Father John of Kronstadt. Her activities were clearly sectarian in nature, which manifested itself in her denial of icon veneration — the most important aspect of the Orthodox faith. She persuaded local residents to replace their icons with portraits of Father John. Like other Johanites, Kabanova urged people to leave their small homeland and move to Kronstadt. She managed to persuade a peasant family to do that, but she did not succeed much in her propaganda. The villagers considered Kabanova mentally ill and refused to follow her doctrine. Information about her propaganda activities reached the local diocesan authorities who addressed the Holy Synod with petition to Fr. John of Kronstadt to denounce Kabanova. In response to the request, Fr. John of Kronstadt sent a rebuke, resolutely denying his involvement with Kabanova and all the members of the Johannite sect in general. Along with other cases of the Johannites, this case illustrates the contradictions in the doctrine of the leaders of this religious movement, and shows the attitude of the authorities towards it at the early stages of its formation.