Simeon Denisov's 'Istoria o otsekh i stradal'tsekh solovetskikh' in the Old Believer tradition in Russia

Abstract

This dissertation is divided into three chapters. The first deals with the general historical background to the schism in the Russian Church in the seventeenth century. It looks at the social and political causes, as well as the religious motives behind it. In particular, events leading specifically to the uprising at the Solovki monastery are examined. The second chapter is primarily concerned with the aftermath of the Solovki uprising, and the influence of the monastery on Old Believers in the early eighteenth century. In particular, the foundations of the Vyg community of Old Believers, under the leadership of Andrei Denisov and later his brother Simeon - the writer of the Istoria о otsekh i stradal'tsekh solovetskikh - is studied. Special attention is given to the literary and educational accomplishments of the community and its contribution to the Old Believer tradition in Russia. The final chapter concerns the Istoria itself as a work of literature. An examination is made of its structure and stylistic devices. Its place in relation to other literature of the period is also discussed, as is its accuracy and value as an historical document. Finally, the ideology of Simeon Denisov as found in the work is examined.