The Time and Reasons for Fyodor Kolychev’s Retreat to the Solovetsky Monastery

This article considers the first stage of life Metropolitan Filipp (lay name Fyodor Stepanovich Kolychev, 1566–1568). The author focuses on motives and circumstances his retreat to Solovetsky monastery. work calls into question widespread hypothesis according which joining monastery was closely connected with repression against Kolychevs after suppression Staritsky mutiny in 1537. demonstrates that, firstly, Stepan Kolychev’s family not persecuted and, secondly, that had gone Islands before took place, i. e. half 1534. By time, he a mature twenty-seven-year-old (by standards time). comes conclusion decided enter consciously voluntarily. reasons for decision should be sought political sphere but only religious consciousness. moment taking monastic vows, no unrealised ambitions left. fact distinguishes him from Vassian (Patrikeev) Filaret (Romanov), who were forced take vows regarded Church as where they could realise their ambitions. Fyodor’s social skills may have played very important role being elected abbot monks needed young active would experience manage large household. At 37–38 years age, business acumen, so many came service class. election contributed flourishing monastery’s patrimony 1540s–1560s. research refers chronicles, acts, colophons, Life Filipp. These historical sources are analysed help source study methods, make it possible reconstruct past contradictory fragmentary evidence. pays much attention analysis Filipp’s tries distinguish valuable facts biography typical hagiographic motifs.