Deposed - 1666
Patriarch Nikon, autocratic ruler of the Russian church.
Introduction
Nikon was a reform-minded Russian monk who, because of his energy and ability in public speaking, brought attention to himself and won the friendship of Tsar Alexei I. Despite Nikon’s objections, he was chosen patriarch of Moscow, the highest position in the Russian church. After being raised to leadership, Nikon proved to be an autocrat, persecuting those who disagreed with him, especially about the reforms he made to the church’s service books. These followed Greek patterns and led to a split in the Russian church when many priests rejected the innovations. Later Tsar Alexei and Nikon disagreed over various issues and Nikon left his post in 1658 in an attempt to force the Tsar to back down. Finally, on this day, 12 December 1666, the Council of Moscow deposed Nikon. Their decision said in part:
Quote
“Whereas we have now learned that Nikon lived tyrannically, and not meekly as befits a prelate, and that he was given to iniquity, rapacity, and tyranny, we debar him, in accordance with the divine and sacred canons of the evangelizing apostles and of the ecumenical and local Orthodox councils, from every sacerdotal function, so that henceforth he shall have no power to perform any episcopal act; and we truly entirely depose him [from wearing certain insignia], and we decree with the entire local church council that henceforth he be known as a common monk called Nikon, and not as patriarch of Moscow; he will be assigned a place to dwell to the very end of his days, and may it be some old and suitable monastery, where he can lament his sins in great silence.”
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