«Чего требует от духовенства современная действительность?»: Нравственный облик сельского пастыря в духовной периодике 1860–1880-х гг.

Abstract

This article examines the formation of the pastoral identity in post-reform Russia (1860-1880s) through the lens of two major church periodicals: «Diocese Gazette» – and «Guide for Rural Pastors». Analyzing the press as the clergy's primary public forum, it explores how the image of the priest was negotiated in response to secular challenges like nihilism, materialism and public criticism. Considerable attention is paid to the clergy’s adaptation strategies to the «spirit of the times» and the key factors shaping the pastoral identity and moral image in an era of rapid change.