The seizure of valuables from the temples of the Moscow province in 1922 in the archival documents of the CSAMR and CSA of Moscow

Abstract

The article considers the goals and mechanism of the seizure of church valuables from the temples of the eastern counties of the Moscow province. It is noted that the propaganda campaign to raise funds for famine relief in the Volga region began long before the mass requisitions. The immediate removal of valuables from churches was preceded by a campaign to form public opinion in favor of the decision of the authorities. In addition, Patriarch Tikhon, whose authority was very high, called on believers to provide all possible assistance to the hungry. Fundraising immediately started in all parishes. In the donation lists, in addition to the money and precious metal items, there were awards and even 11 pounds of rye. However, despite the willingness of the clergy and parishioners, in response to Patriarch Tikhon’s call to help the hungry and to voluntarily hand over to the Pomgol the church utensils that are not used in everyday worship, the authorities organized the seizure of valuables through the use of force. The archival documents cited in the article indicate that, among other things, the objects necessary for worship services, as well as the elements of the decorations of the Gospels (corners, locks) were seized from churches, and that was perceived by believers as sacrilege. The material is based on the archival documents of the Central State Archives of Moscow and the Central State Archives of the Moscow region.