Konstantinos Oikonomos and Russian Philorthodox relief during the Greek war for independence (1821–1829)

Abstract After the Archipelago expeditions of Russian Navy in 1769–1774 and 1805–1807, thousands Greeks fled Ottoman Empire resettled province Novorossiia (southern Russia). Among migrants were prominent merchants who strongly supported Philiki Etaireia (Friendly Society) cause for Greek independence. Although Tsar Alexander I could not openly support insurrection that broke out 1821, Russia provided invaluable material assistance to refugees, arrived cities such as Odessa Kishinev. Special committees under officials distributed funds gathered from private donations public sources all over Russia. The famous cleric Konstantinos Oikonomos also with his family. His speech at funeral Patriarch Gregory V (whose relics buried Odessa) helped solidify image patriarch an ethno-martyr. served a mediator advisor Ober-procurator Holy Synod, Golitsyn, was responsible gathering information about clergymen among refugees. played important role distributing families displaced after massacre on Chios 1822. documents archives presented this essay demonstrate network pivotal he between high intellectuals, merchants, poorer compatriots. This chapter features annex unpublished correspondence evidence one largest humanitarian actions nineteenth century.