Development of True Orthodox Church in Kyiv Region (1927-1931).

Abstract

The preconditions for the formation and activities of the True Orthodox Church in the territory of the Kyiv region from 1927 to 1931 are studied in the scientific paper. Based on archival documents, the reasons for the emergence of the anti-Sergius opposition among the Orthodox clergy and laity who rejected the Declaration of Metropolitan Sergius (Stragorodsky) on loyalty to Soviet power are analyzed. It is shown that the Kyiv region became one of the centers for the development of the True Orthodox Christian movement in the Ukrainian SSR, where independent communities were formed. The specifics of underground church life are revealed, including illegal divine services, the establishment of clandestine monasteries, and the distribution of leaflets and spiritual proclamations. Particular attention is given to the repressive policies of the Soviet authorities, culminating in the OGPU operation ‘Chornye Pauki’ (Black Spiders) (1931), which led to the arrests and convictions of dozens of clergy and laity in the Kyiv region. It is concluded that the True Orthodox Church in the Kyiv region became a manifestation of religious nonconformism and spiritual resistance to the totalitarian regime, having played a significant role in the formation of Catacomb Orthodoxy in Ukraine.