Kapitons

A radical sect of Russian Old Believers, known for their extreme act of self-immolation in response to religious reforms in the 17th century.

The Kapitons, also known as the Kapitonists, were a radical sect of the Russian Old Believers who emerged in the 17th century in response to the liturgical reforms initiated by Patriarch Nikon of Moscow. These reforms, which aimed to standardize Russian Orthodox practices with those of the Greek Orthodox Church, included modifications to the sign of the cross, liturgical language, religious texts, and the manner of singing alleluias. The Old Believers perceived these changes as a profound corruption of their faith, emblematic of apocalyptic times, and indicative of the Antichrist’s influence, as Nikon’s reforms seemed to align with prophecies of end times.

A hermit named Kapiton became a prominent figure among the Old Believers due to his staunch opposition to these reforms. He preached that the end times were imminent, advocating resistance against the religious and political order enforced by Nikon’s changes. His followers, known as the Kapitonists, believed that martyrdom was preferable to compliance with the reformed practices. They are particularly notorious for their practice of self-immolation, an extreme form of protest and purification from the perceived corruption of the world. Starting around 1665, there were instances where Kapitonists would lock themselves in churches and set them ablaze, choosing death over submission to a religious authority they deemed heretical. This peak of self-immolations, notably between 1672 and 1691, resulted in thousands perishing in mass fires.

The practice of self-sacrifice by the Kapitonists became a profound symbol of resistance against the reformed Russian church and the state. It highlighted the deep divisions within Russian society over religious authority and the practice of faith. The state and official church’s response, which included severe persecution such as double taxation, bans on gatherings, and exclusion from official sacraments, only fueled further dissent and tragic responses such as those undertaken by the Kapitonists.

Despite the devastating outcomes, the impact and legacy of the Kapitonists and other Old Believer communities profoundly affected Russian religious culture. These events became a significant part of Russian history, reflecting the intense struggle over religious authority and practice, and continued to influence Russian culture, notably depicted in cultural works like the opera “Khovanshchina” by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky.

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