Vorontsova I.V. Church publicity of the middle of the XIX century as the Orthodox response to the challenges of modernity (archimandrite Clement (Mozharov), bishop John of Smolensk (Sokolov), and archbishops Nikanor of Kherson (Brovkovich) and Ambrose of Kharkov (Klyucharev))

Abstract: The subject of this research is the initiation of dialogue between the Russian Church and secular society in the course of establishment of the genre of church publicity in the works of notable church leaders of the middle and the second half of the XIX century – Clement (Mozharov), John (Sokolov), Nikanor (Brovkovich), and Ambrose (Klyucharev). Secularization of the social and cultural contributed into the emergence in the periodical literature of Russia of such trend as church publicity. This concept originated from the pastor’s “word”, and developed within the strict rules of the theological homiletics, gradually expanding its frameworks. The works of these renowned representatives of clergy compiles the material that provides the ability to sequentially trace the stages of evolution of the church publicity and preaching. This article demonstrates the review of the emergence of church publicity in Russia during the period of 1830-1840, its formation and peculiarities. At all stages of its development, church publicity within the framework of the Orthodox tradition, was seeking the answer to the problem of secularization of the Orthodox conscience of Russia. This research determines four of these stages, and their interconnection with the historical and cultural evolution in Russia. 

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