The Church Reform of Peter the Great refers to a series of systematic changes implemented by the Russian Tsar Peter the Great during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, aimed at modernizing and centralizing the Russian Orthodox Church. This period of reform was characterized by a shift in power, as the tsar sought to assert his authority over the church, which had previously held significant influence over religious, political, and social matters in Russia.
The church reform under Peter the Great aimed to align the Russian Orthodox Church with the Western European model, in an effort to modernize and bring Russian society closer to Western practices and standards. Key elements of this reform included the establishment of the Holy Synod, a governing body that replaced the Patriarchate, and the subordination of the church to the state. The tsar appointed the members of the Holy Synod, enabling him to directly control religious affairs.
To enforce his reforms, Peter the Great also implemented a set of regulations known as the "Spiritual Regulation," which aimed to standardize religious practices, increase clerical education and training, and consolidate the church's held property under state control. These actions reduced the church's independence and placed it firmly under the tsar's authority.
The Church Reform of Peter the Great represented a significant shift in the power dynamics between the state and the church in Russia. It marked a pivotal moment in the country's history, highlighting the tsar's desire to modernize, centralize, and strengthen his control over both religious and political institutions.
