Frolova, E. V. Vicariates in the Diocese of Vladimir and Suzdal During the Synodical Period of the Russian Orthodox Church

Abstract: Bishop was the highest official in the system of diocesan administration during the synodical period. Within his Diocese, he had administrative, judicial and economic power over his church. Bishops had rather extensive powers which concern all sides of diocesan life. In addition, being the head of his diocese, the bishop represented church’s interests before local governmental authorities. Such broad-spectrum and versatile activities of the bishop created certain difficulties in diocese management. The institution of vicar bishops was created to help the ruling bishops to govern their dioceses. During the synodical period the Diocese of Vladimir and Suzdal had three vicariates: Muromsk Vicariate founded in 1868, Yurievsky Vicariate founded in 1907 and Suzdal Vicariate founded in 1916. On March 24, 1916 the Emperor Nikolay II approved of the Report of the Holy Synod about foundation of the third vicariate in the Diocese f Vladimir and naming it Suzdal Vicariate. The Bishop of Suzdal was assigned as a governor (abbot) of the Suzdal Saviour Monastery of St. Euthymius. Archbishop of Vladimir and Suzdal was assigned the title of ‘Vladimir and Shuysky Archbishop’ and had that title till the synodical period was over.

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