Spirituality of Protodeacon and Empereor Peter I

Abstract

Judging by the frequency with which Peter I used religious language in his numerous letters, it could be argued that the tsar was a deeply religious man. However, his legislation points to the strength with which he tried to subordinate the official Orthodox church to himself, the culmination of which was the Spiritual Regulations that replaced the patriarchate with a collegial Synod subordinated to the tsarist government. However, the best image of Peter’s attitude to religion is the Most-Drunken Council, which he established at the beginning of his rule and which existed until the end of his life. The activities of this Council consisted of frequent revels and numerous ceremonies which were not devoid vulgarity mocking imitations of the rituals and doctrines of the Orthodox Church.