Historical and Anthropological Sketch on Parish Clergy Drunkenness in the Kazan Eparchy in Mid-19th Century

The article covers one of the least studied issues in Russian historiography — behavioral deviations Orthodox parish clergy form alcohol abuse (drunkenness). According to authors, addressing this significant, interesting, and, most importantly, underestimated topic, can shed light on poorly aspects daily life various social strata Empire; reveal their cultural and socio-psychological features, specifics mentality mechanisms everyday communication; expand existing ideas appearance heyday Synodal era. To end, authors turn archival materials stored State Archive Republic Tatarstan. These are investigatory records Kazan Spiritual Consistory priests diocese mid-19th century. Many yet come attention researchers. Drawing these records, a deep complex scientific problem is identified, which also be addressed full-on. emphasizes anthropological aspect attempts analyze attitude phenomenon “drunken cleric” rural space: diocesan authorities, clergy, peasants. study cites instances addiction individual representatives thus noting habitude contributing moral dissonance with mission church. At same time, there was condescending parishioners such shepherds. One possible reasons for this, according lies inherent desire peasants ward off all external interference space world (in church terminology, parish), maintain its closed character ethical system that formed learned older days. However, contributed aggravation negative trends among polarization; transformed it from fighter against vices into hostage circumstances. Further array files clarify portrayal side late imperial period, objectification current history Church, place role society second half 19th – early 20th