How Do You Spell BEZPOPOVTSY?

1. Bezpopovtsy is a Russian noun, derived from the word "bezpopovye" meaning "without priests" or "priestless". It refers to a religious movement that emerged within the Russian Orthodox Church in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly during the time of tsarist Russia. The Bezpopovtsy were a group of radical religious dissenters who rejected the authority and hierarchy of the official Orthodox Church, specifically its priests and bishops.

   The movement was fueled by various grievances, including the perception of corruption and exploitation by the clergy, resentment towards the church's close ties with the Russian government, and a desire for a more direct and personal religious experience. Bezpopovtsy communities were characterized by their rejection of traditional religious practices, such as sacraments, rituals, and the veneration of icons. They sought to establish alternative forms of worship and religious organization that were centered around the interpretation of the Bible and personal spiritual revelations.

   Bezpopovtsy communities were often isolated and self-sufficient, living in remote rural areas or within their own small villages. They emphasized communal living, simplicity, and egalitarianism, with decisions made collectively and the rejection of any central authority. Due to their dissenting beliefs and practices, they faced persecution and suppression from the state and the Orthodox Church throughout their existence.

   Today, while the Bezpopovtsy movement has significantly diminished in size, traces of its influence can still be found within certain sectors of Russian religious society.

Common Misspellings for BEZPOPOVTSY

The word "Bezpopovtsy" is derived from the Russian language. It is a compound word consisting of two parts: "bez-" and "popovtsy".

The prefix "bez-" in Russian means "without" or "lacking". It is used to indicate the absence or exclusion of something. In the case of "Bezpopovtsy", it signifies being "without" or "lacking" popes or priests.

The second part of the word, "popovtsy", is derived from the Russian word "pop" (поп), which means "priest". "Popovtsy" refers to a group of individuals or a religious movement known as the "priestless" or "priest-denying" sect within the Russian Orthodox Church. This group rejects the authority and hierarchy of the priesthood, advocating for a more egalitarian and decentralized approach to worship.