Avvakum, Russian priest and saint (b. 1620)

Avvakum Petrov (Russian: Аввакум Петров; 20 November 1620/21 – 14 April 1682), also sometimes spelled Awakum, was a towering figure in 17th-century Russian history and religion. As a Russian protopope, or senior priest, of the illustrious Kazan Cathedral located on Moscow’s Red Square, he rose to prominence by leading a steadfast opposition against the sweeping reforms initiated by Patriarch Nikon within the Russian Orthodox Church. His powerful autobiography and a collection of letters addressed to the Tsar, to the influential noblewoman Boyarynya Morozova, and to other adherents of the Old Belief are not merely historical documents but are widely celebrated as profound masterpieces of 17th-century Russian literature, offering a unique window into a tumultuous era.

The Life and Times of Protopope Avvakum

Born into a priestly family in the village of Grigorovo, in the Nizhny Novgorod region, Avvakum Petrovich Petrov’s early life was steeped in the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. He began his ecclesiastical career in the 1640s, swiftly gaining a reputation for his fervent piety, strict moral standards, and powerful preaching. By the mid-17th century, he had become a protopope, a high-ranking priest, overseeing the Kazan Cathedral, a significant spiritual center in the heart of Moscow. This position placed him at the very nexus of spiritual and political life in the burgeoning Russian capital.

The Reforms of Patriarch Nikon and the Great Schism (Raskol)

The mid-17th century marked a pivotal moment for the Russian Orthodox Church. Patriarch Nikon, appointed in 1652, embarked on an ambitious program of liturgical reforms aimed at bringing Russian Orthodox practices into closer alignment with those of the Greek Orthodox Church. These reforms, driven by a desire for ecclesiastical uniformity and a perceived need to correct perceived errors in Russian service books that had accumulated over centuries, included significant changes such as altering the number of fingers used in making the sign of the cross from two to three, revising the spelling of Jesus’s name, and standardizing the direction of processions around the altar. While Nikon and his supporters saw these changes as essential corrections, many devout Russians, including Avvakum, viewed them as an unwarranted betrayal of centuries-old, sacred traditions passed down from their forefathers.

Avvakum emerged as the most vocal and uncompromising leader of the opposition. He and his followers, who would later be known as the Old Believers (Starovery), firmly believed that the older rituals and texts were not erroneous but divinely inspired, representing the true path of Orthodoxy. To abandon them, they argued, was to forsake the very essence of their faith. This theological dispute quickly escalated into a profound socio-religious schism, known as the Raskol, dividing Russian society deeply and permanently.

Persecution, Exile, and Unwavering Conviction

Avvakum’s fierce defiance of Patriarch Nikon’s reforms came at a tremendous personal cost. He was repeatedly persecuted, imprisoned, and exiled to remote and harsh regions of Russia, including Siberia and the Far East. His long and arduous exiles, lasting for over a decade, saw him endure extreme privation, torture, and the loss of family members. Yet, through all these tribulations, Avvakum remained unyielding in his convictions, viewing his suffering as a testament to his faith and a trial from God. He continued to preach, write, and inspire his followers even from distant prisons, using every opportunity to articulate his arguments against the reforms and rally the Old Believers.

A Literary Masterpiece: Avvakum's Autobiography and Letters

It is during these periods of intense suffering and exile that Avvakum produced his most enduring literary works. His autobiography, often titled The Life of Protopope Avvakum (Житие Протопопа Аввакума), is a remarkable document. Written in a vivid, colloquial, and profoundly personal style, it is considered one of the earliest examples of autobiographical literature in Russia. It offers a raw, unfiltered account of his spiritual journey, his steadfast resistance, and his harrowing experiences, peppered with theological insights and powerful emotional appeals. This work is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its groundbreaking literary qualities, breaking away from traditional hagiographic styles.

Beyond his autobiography, Avvakum penned numerous letters to Tsar Alexis, to his staunch supporter Boyarynya Feodosia Morozova (a prominent noblewoman who herself suffered greatly for her Old Belief), and to countless other Old Believers. These letters served as vital instruments for disseminating his ideas, encouraging his followers, and directly challenging the authorities. Their passionate prose and directness continue to resonate, making them invaluable sources for understanding the intellectual and spiritual climate of 17th-century Russia.

Martyrdom by Fire

Ultimately, Avvakum’s unwavering stand against the state-supported church reforms led to his tragic end. After years of imprisonment, he was finally condemned for his continued defiance and perceived heresy. On April 14, 1682, Avvakum Petrov, along with several of his closest associates, was burned at the stake in Pustozersk. His execution cemented his status as a martyr in the eyes of the Old Believers, further solidifying their resolve and enduring legacy within Russian religious history. He remains a symbol of unyielding faith and resistance to authority for many.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avvakum Petrov

Who was Avvakum Petrov?
Avvakum Petrov was a prominent 17th-century Russian protopope (senior priest) who became the leading figure in the opposition to Patriarch Nikon's reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church. He is considered a foundational figure for the Old Believer movement.
What were Patriarch Nikon's reforms?
Patriarch Nikon's reforms (starting in 1652) aimed to standardize Russian Orthodox liturgical practices with those of the Greek Orthodox Church. This included changes to the sign of the cross, the spelling of Jesus's name, and various ritual adjustments, which many traditionalists saw as an assault on their faith.
What was the "Raskol" or Great Schism?
The Raskol, meaning "schism" or "split," was the deep division within the Russian Orthodox Church that resulted from the opposition to Patriarch Nikon's reforms. It led to the formation of the Old Believers, who rejected the reforms, separating them from the official state church.
Why is Avvakum considered a literary figure?
Avvakum's autobiography, The Life of Protopope Avvakum, is celebrated as a masterpiece of 17th-century Russian literature. It's renowned for its vivid, colloquial, and personal narrative style, offering a unique and powerful insight into his spiritual struggles and historical events, making it one of Russia's earliest and most significant autobiographical works.
How did Avvakum Petrov die?
Avvakum Petrov was burned at the stake in Pustozersk on April 14, 1682, along with several of his companions. He was executed for his continued defiance of the church reforms and his refusal to recant his Old Believer convictions.