An Orthodox Parish: The Concept and Management System in 1945-2000 (A Case Study of the Russian North)
The article is devoted to the main stages of reforming the system of management of Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) during the second half of the twentieth century. Effective parish management is an important condition of stability and successful functioning of the Church as a whole. During the 1940-1980-ies religious life was under the strict control of the party-state apparatus, the aim of which was the construction of a society based on atheistic principles. This issue obtains special relevance due to the small number of parishes operating during these years in the regions of the European (Russian) North, and there was a need to struggle for the preservation of each of them. In 1945, during the ‘warming’ of attitude towards the believers, parish management system was re-established and became was close to the canonical prescriptions. The rector of the Church became the spiritual leader of the parish and managed its development. In 1961, under pressure from secular authorities parish management system underwent significant adjustments: the priest was removed from participation in the collegiate bodies and in solving financial and economic issues. The role of the clergy in the parish was reduced due to the establishment of a new procedure of their recruitment under the strict supervision of the Commissioner of the Council for Russian Orthodox Church Affairs (1965 - the Council for religious Affairs). Scheme of appointment of clergy and the formation of the Church Council and its executive authority was clearly adverse to the requirements of the Church canons. In 1988, the structure of the parish authorities returned to its post-war status, and the sovereignty of the parish clergy was restored. Under the conditions of implementation of a new model of relations between state and Church the functions of the parish increased, its role in spiritual, cultural and social spheres enhanced. Further reform of the management system of the ROC was made without government interference and chose the path of centralization, strengthening of the hierarchy of bishops and the Patriarch.