The history of organization and legal basis of activity of religious public associations of the Moscow diocese in the second half of XIX - early XX century
The article describes the shape of the formation, activities, personal membership of Orthodox Brotherhoods - church and public associations of the Moscow diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, operating in the second half of XIX - early XX century. After the approval of “Basic Rules for the establishment of Orthodox Church brotherhoods” of May 8, 1864, they developed their activities. The first church brotherhood of St. Nicholas, instituted in the Moscow diocese (Moscow and Moscow Province) October 16, 1865. At the beginning of the XX century there were already 15 brotherhoods. Orthodox church brotherhoods contributed to the development of public charity and public education.