Jason Rowe, Reform in the Russian Church

Like many institutions in Russia during the 19^th century, the Russian church underwent a series of reforms, many of which were unsuccessful.  Even as reforms were being implemented toward institutions such as serfdom, the church was also faced with the growing need to make changes to religion.  The problem that arises from this, and other reforms were grounded in the fact that many citizens were skeptical of the changes.  Examples of this are found throughout Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina through the actions of the noble characters in the novel.

The immediate problem with church reforms of the period is directed in the fact that many of the church’s highest leaders were aggravated by the changes in the government’s philosophy toward the church.  Of note, many of the powerful figures in the church were aggravated by the government’s desire to loosen the church’s hold on local functions and efforts.  They were especially troubled by the government’s desire to involve a large number of people in the administrative process.  An example of the government’s loosening of regulations can be found in a heavy increase of canonized saints during the later 19^th century.

Aside from administrative issues, the church was faced with new concepts and ideas permeating from intellectual circles.  The Intelligentsia was gaining strength as a social force in their society.  There was a new class of nobility that saw them as a major force in changing people’s lives.  This created conflict between those who believed in a traditional way of governing and those who saw the nobility as being responsible to those of lesser means.  The increasing power of Nationalism, as well as the developing philosophies surrounding Marxism would also present challenges to the church. 

In the novel, religion is dealt with in a somewhat superficial basis.  The idea of faith comes up most often in the relationships involving Anna, Karenin, Kitty and Levin.  Karenin and Kitty are two possible examples of how the nobility viewed their religious purposes.  Karenin seems to think of his faith purely in the context of public perception.  In contemplating a possible solution to his wife’s extra marital affair, he comes back to religion as a reason not to agree to a possible divorce.  However, this appears to be Karenin’s only major foray into the vast world of divine faith during the entire novel.  Kitty however, is portrayed as being devoutly religious.  She is presented as a young woman who believes very strongly in her faith.  However, she is tolerant of her fiancé, Levin’s, religious questions.  This is in contrast to Karenin’s concern about public appearance.  These are two possible roles of religion in the life of nobility, as a presented by Tolstoy, in the novel. 

In conclusion, the 19^th century was a tumultuous period in Russia.  Entire systems of government, economic systems, and social philosophies all underwent major reforms during this period.  The church was no exception.  Unfortunately for the church, much of its local leadership did not support the changes.  The church also faced difficulties in changing social philosophies as well as conflicting opinions of the nobility.  In the end, the difficulties surrounding the church in this period had ever lasting consequences on Russia in the century following.