Interrelation of state power and orthodox clergy in the period 1917-1920 (on territory of the modern Belgorod area

The article discusses the position of the Orthodox clergy in the territory of Belgorod in 1917-1920, when in the new socio-political and economic situation, the Soviet authorities monitor the activities of the clergy, has limited his rights when liquidated prerevolutionary privilege for the clergy, and church lands transferred to public use than undermined the economic foundation of the church and the deteriorating financial situation of the priests. Also the article highlights recessionary trends in the life of priesthood arose when the Soviet power implemented decrees «On Freedom of Worship, church and religious societies» (1918), "On the separation of church and state and school from church" (1918 ), «Enactment of establishment of communities» (1919) as well as in the period of expropriation of church valuables in 1922. The analysis of this issue showed that the Soviet government restricted rights of priesthood, its civil rights and weakened the economic base of the Russian orthodox church and its priesthood financial status. But despite of everything, the orthodox priesthood sought a compromise in creating a new model of relationships between and government and the church after 1917.