The church constitution of Russia presents some special features. In the rest of the empire the clergy was Russian Orthodox, but at Novgorod, it was Novgorodian. It was not until the twelfth century that the Baltic Slavs, who had been the last to abandon paganism, were allowed to have an archbishop who was neither from Constantinople or Kief. From this time forward, however, their chief ecclesiastic was one of their own race, elected by the citizens.
He was at once installed in his Episcopal palace, without waiting approval from the head of the Russian church, and at once became the chief personage of the republic. In public acts and proclamations his name was always placed ahead of that of the prince and burgomaster.
Thus we have essentially a national church which lasted so long as Novgorod maintained its pre-eminence, and the Archbishop of St. Sophia was one of the grand dignitaries of Europe, while his revenues would suffice the treasury of a kingdom. But with a rise of the Muscovite princes, the Novgorodian church naturally became subject to that of Russia in general, whose patriarch has been established at Constantinople.
We have thus reviewed hastily the beginnings of Russia, with a glance at its chief personages and sketch of the racial, ecclesiastical and commercial forces which have worked together for the development of society under civilized conditions, and which combined to prepare a foundation fro the vast fabric which was subsequently to be erected upon it.
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From General Nelson A. Miles
Thrilling Stories of The Russian-Japanese War, 1904
