Dean in the Kola North at the beginning of the XIX century (according to the documents of the Kem spiritual collegium of the National Archives of the Republic of Karelia)

Using new documents of the Kem spiritual collegium, institution deans in Kola North with its specific features has been studied for first time. The large territory Peninsula that was part Arkhangelsk and Kholmogory dioceses had only one deanery district due to few parishes at beginning XIX century. everyday life a local dean filled bureaucratic correspondence collegium. took multi-day trips inspect parish churches located great distance from each other difficult task him conditions North. duties dean, like diocesan districts, were numerous but he could not always adhere recommendations prescribed by ecclesiastical authority all-Russian instructions fulfill requirements timely manner. absence any state financial support service significantly complicated limited activities dean. personal qualities priest appointed bishop this responsible position importance largely determined effectiveness established system control over communities. information found course study is important understanding development north-western outskirts Russian early