Clergy of Sumy Eparchy in Conditions of Social Transformations of Khrushchev Period

Abstract

The purpose of the research paper is to analyze the structure, situation, and strategies for adapting to new realities of the Orthodox clergy of the Sumy Eparchy, to determine the main trends in its environment, and to study its role and influence on social, cultural, and religious processes in the region in the conditions of social transformations during the Khrushchev period.

The scientific novelty is in the fact that, for the first time, the clergy of the Sumy Eparchy of the period of Khrushchev’s social transformations has become the subject of a separate scientific study.

Conclusions. During the implementation of Khrushchev’s anti-religious campaign, the ROC (Russian Orthodox Church) found itself in a state of constant survival, which forced it to develop adaptation strategies of both an institutional and personal nature. Structurally, during the period under study, the Sumy Eparchy underwent significant transformations. While in the mid-1950s it demonstrated a certain stability, then from 1958, there was a systematic reduction of parishes, a decline in the number of clergy, and deterioration of the physical infrastructure of both religious communities and the clergy. Frequent changes in the episcopate led to the weakening of centralized control over the eparchy. Most bishops ran the eparchy for a short time, which did not allow them to form a stable pastoral strategy. Concurrently, certain archpastors, notably Archbishop Andrii (Sukhenko), demonstrated resolve in protecting the Church’s interests despite pressure from the state.

In the context of a systemic personnel shortage, believers who were ordained without religious education became an important source of replenishment for the clergy of the eparchy. The process had both positive and negative effects: on the one hand, they managed to maintain the effectiveness of the parishes, while on the other, the theological level of the clergy decreased.

The transition to fixed salaries, strict control over the performance of religious rites, and discriminatory tax policy – all that formed a system designed to deprive priests of their financial basis. However, a significant part of the clergy managed to establish themselves the means of economic sustentation, occasionally employing semi-legal strategies.

Notwithstanding the repressive policy, some priests took an active public stance. They organized religious life in weakened communities, provided spiritual guidance, preached, taught religion, participated in social initiatives, and supported believers during the period of persecution.

Thus, the Sumy Eparchy during the Khrushchev period of social transformations emerged as an area of complex interaction between the Church, authorities, and society. Despite systemic pressure, the clergy managed to preserve the fundamental elements of religious life, ensure the continuity of church tradition, and demonstrate a high level of sacrifice, organization, and pastoral responsibility.