What do Old Believers believe? The Old Believers, also known as the Russian Old-Rite Orthodox, are a group of Christians who adhere to the traditional practices and liturgical rites of the Russian Orthodox Church before the reforms of the 17th century. This religious movement emerged as a result of a schism within the Orthodox Church, sparked by disagreements over church reforms and the introduction of new practices. In this article, we will explore the core beliefs and practices of the Old Believers, shedding light on their unique perspective within the broader Orthodox tradition.
The Old Believers hold a strong commitment to the faith as it was practiced before the reforms of Patriarch Nikon in the 17th century. They believe that the reforms, which included changes to the liturgical texts, calendar, and church hierarchy, were a deviation from the true teachings of the Church. As a result, they reject many of the innovations introduced during this period and strive to maintain the traditional practices that they consider to be divinely inspired.
One of the fundamental beliefs of the Old Believers is their adherence to the Julian calendar, which they use for calculating religious holidays and determining the date of Easter. They believe that the Gregorian calendar, adopted by the Russian Orthodox Church in 1918, is a heretical innovation that has caused confusion and division within the Church. By using the Julian calendar, the Old Believers maintain their distinct identity and preserve their traditional practices.
Another important aspect of Old Believer belief is their emphasis on the importance of the church hierarchy and the role of the bishop. They reject the reforms that altered the structure of the church and the authority of the bishops. The Old Believers believe that the church should be governed by a synod of bishops, with the bishop of Moscow being the first among equals. This belief is rooted in their desire to preserve the apostolic succession and the purity of the Church.
In terms of liturgical practices, the Old Believers adhere to the traditional liturgical texts and rituals that were in use before the reforms. They perform the liturgy in the Old Slavonic language, which they believe is the language of the original Christian Church. The Old Believers also emphasize the importance of the icon, which they view as a sacred representation of Christ, the saints, and other religious figures. They believe that icons are a means of divine grace and play a significant role in their worship.
The Old Believers also have a strong sense of community and social identity. They often live in isolated communities, separate from the mainstream Orthodox Church, and maintain their own distinct cultural and religious practices. They believe that by preserving their traditions, they are preserving the true faith and avoiding the corruption that they perceive in the modern world.
In conclusion, the Old Believers hold a unique and distinct set of beliefs that set them apart from the mainstream Russian Orthodox Church. Their adherence to traditional practices, rejection of reforms, and emphasis on the importance of the church hierarchy and liturgical texts are central to their faith. By exploring the beliefs and practices of the Old Believers, we gain a deeper understanding of the diversity within the Orthodox tradition and the rich tapestry of religious expression that exists within Christianity.
