The activity of the Bessarabian school of church choristers (1889-1918)

The school of church choristers of the Eparchy of Chisinau and Khotin played an important role in the spiritual life of the Guberniya of Bessarabia. Although the activity of this school was carried out as part of imperial policy of spiritual domination, promoted by Tsarist autocracy and ecclesiastical authorities, its disciples helped to maintain devotion to the faith and traditions of the Bessarabian Church. This article addresses some aspects of the history of this institution, which was opened in 1889. It highlights its role in the life of the eparchy through the prism of imperial authorities' attitude towards local church music.