1.4.5. Religious attitude

In his treatise Fletcher gives a relatively detailed account of the Russian church: its history, its ceremonies etc. It’s noteworthy that in the chapter ‘Of their ecclesiastical state, with their church offices’ he denotes his intention to describe ‘<…>what other strange ceremonies and superstitious devotions are used among them’. Secondly, at the end of the chapter ‘Of their liturgy, or form of church service, and their manner of administering the sacraments’ Fletcher characterises as different from the institution of Christ and mentions ceremonies they have added of their own.

Fletcher’s disdainful attitude to the Russian church is reflected in the chapter where he describes it: ‘Of the doctrine of the Russe church, and what errors it holdeth’. He seems to criticize the church for every single detail or custom it followed, such as public divine services, the correlation of the monarch and the church etc.

He does not approve of the Orthodox Church at all: he ‘ridicules’ its conceptions, all kinds of divine ceremonies it held etc.

Chapter 2. Silvestr’s ‘domostroy’

2.1. About ‘domostroy’

Domostroy or Domostroi (Russian: Домострой, Domestic Order) is a 16th century Russian set of household rules, instructions and pieces of advice pertaining to various religious, social, domestic, and family matters of Russian society. Core Domostroi values tended to reinforce obedience and submission to God, Tsar and Church. Key obligations were fashion, prayer, icon veneration and the giving of alms.

Its real author is unknown, but the most widespread version was edited by the archpriest Silvester, an influential advisor to young Ivan IV. An updated edition of ‘Domostroy’ was compiled by Karion Istomin during the late 17th century. To modern researchers, it is a precious account about Russian society and the life of wealthy boyars and merchants.

2.2. Analysis of ‘domostroy’

‘Domostroy’ touches upon a range of aspects of Russian people’s life. The book consists of 63 chapters, which deal with the following matters:

• Religious practices;

• Relationship between Russian people and the Tsar;

• Organization of the family;

• Management of the household;

• Culinary.

In my research work I’m going to analyse primarily the chapters dealing with religious practices and the relationship between Russian people and the Tsar.

2.2.1. The relationship between Russian people and the Tsar

The brief title (the full one is longer) of Chapter 5 of ‘Domostroy is «Како царя или князя чтити»(‘How to honour a Tsar or a prince’). The author denotes the following:

• A Tsar or a prince must always be honoured.

• A man must never lie to a Tsar.

• The author places a Tsar on the same footing as God.

• A man must always glorify God and endure sorrow and tightness with gratitude.

The full title of the chapter contains the following point: «Всякому властелю покарятися» (‘Submit yourself to any lord’).

2.2.2. Religious practices

Several chapters of ‘Domostroy’ deal with the Russian religious practices. The author denotes the following:

• As a true Christian, every man must reverently honour the Holy Trinity and Virgin Mary and worship the Holy Cross.

• The author mentions some Orthodox traditions, such as eating communion bread before having a regular meal and donations.

• A man must love and glorify God.