drevnovertsy

Drevnovertsy (Russian: древноверцы, meaning "Old Believers") is a traditionalist Christian movement that emerged in 17th-century Russia as a reaction to reforms introduced by Patriarch Nikon and Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. These reforms sought to modernize the Russian Orthodox Church by aligning its liturgical practices with those of the Greek Orthodox Church. Many Russians, however, resisted these changes, viewing them as heretical and a betrayal of the Church’s ancient traditions.

Old Believers rejected the revised liturgical books and other reforms, maintaining their pre-Nikonite practices, which included distinct rituals, iconography, and even pronunciation of certain words. Their opposition led to widespread persecution, including exile, imprisonment, and violence. Despite this, the movement persisted, with some Old Believers fleeing to remote areas or overseas, particularly to Siberia and beyond.

The Old Believers split into several factions over time, with some groups adopting more extreme positions, such as self-immolation or refusal to participate in any form of state authority. Others sought accommodation, eventually forming separate churches that were recognized by the Russian Orthodox Church in the 20th century. Today, Old Believers remain a small but culturally significant community, preserving their unique traditions and religious practices.

Their history reflects broader themes of religious resistance, identity, and the tension between tradition and reform within Orthodox Christianity. While their influence has diminished over time, their legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of faith and cultural preservation.