The study is based on the Russian State Archive of the Navy new documents. The article observes the struggle against sectarianism in the Black Sea Fleet on the example of Stundism. Relying on an extensive array of sources, the author concludes that the naval command directly controlled the spread of sectarian beliefs. The officers were personally responsible for their crew and the searching of sectarians among the lower ranks. In addition, the military clergy had a subordinate position, but actively interacted with the command and was involved in “reeducation” and “assessment” of the sectarians. The headquarters of the fleet initiated an “inventory” of sectarians among the crews. Those who followed the “false teachings” were put on lists and constantly monitored. Adepts of the most “dangerous” sects were sent to the outskirts of the empire, where they were controlled by the state. Stundism became the main threat for officers and military clergy as a result of the proselytism embedded in this teaching, which was perceived as a serious blow to the predominantly Orthodox personnel. Refusal of carrying out combat service, practicing shooting or possible shooting at the enemy also caused the desire to suppress this tendency, to prevent its turning into the example for other personnel.
Key words: Black Sea Fleet, Sevastopol, sects, Stundism, rationalistic sects, protestant sects
DOI: 10.22250/20728662_2023_3_41
About the author
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Roman S. Lialin – Postgraduate student of European University at St. Petersburg; 6/1A Gagarinskaya st., St. Petersburg, 191187, Russia; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |