The discussion on parish autonomy (middle of the 19th and early 20th centuries)

The article examines the numerous problems of forms, ways and means of reviving the Orthodox parish, raised in the course of a long discussion of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The main topic of controversy among scholars, statesmen, church hierarchs and theologians is connected with the autonomy of the parish, the justification of the boundaries and framework of parish self-government. In the course of the discussion, diametrically opposite positions were emerged. Some authors defended the idea of broad independence of the parish in matters of electing clergy and providing the temple with the property necessary for worship. For others, control over parish property and, in general, over the state of affairs in parishes by the diocesan bishops turned out to be more important.