On This Day

Nikita Minin becomes patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church

Nikon, born Nikita Minin (Никита Минин; 7 May [O.S. 27 April] 1605 – 17 August [O.S.

Nikon, born Nikita Minin (Никита Минин; 7 May [O.S. 27 April] 1605 – 17 August [O.S. 7 August] 1681) was the seventh Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' of the Russian Orthodox Church, serving officially from 1652 to 1666. He was renowned for his eloquence, energy, piety and close ties to Tsar Alexis of Russia. Nikon introduced many reforms, including liturgical reforms that were unpopular among conservatives. These divisions eventually led to a lasting schism known as Raskol (schism) in the Russian Orthodox Church. For many years, he was a dominant political figure, often equaling or even overshadowing the Tsar. In December 1667, Nikon was tried by a synod of church officials, deprived of all his sacerdotal functions, and reduced to the status of a simple monk.

Historical Significance

Nikon, born Nikita Minin (Никита Минин; 7 May [O.

Events Before

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  4. Great earthquake at Cuzco, Peru

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  5. Battle of Beresteczko between Poles and Ukrainians starts

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Events After

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  2. Dutch painter Jan Vermeer marries Catharina Bolenes in Schipluiden

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  3. Parliamentarian General Oliver Cromwell appointed as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland

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  4. The Coonan Cross Oath is taken in the Saint Thomas Christian community in an effort to avoid submission to Portuguese ru

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  5. French Chief Minister Cardinal Mazarin returns to Paris from exile

    French Chief Minister Cardinal Mazarin returns to Paris from exile

More from the 1650s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on July 25, 1652?
Nikon, born Nikita Minin (Никита Минин; 7 May [O.S. 27 April] 1605 – 17 August [O.S. 7 August] 1681) was the seventh Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus' of the Russian Orthodox Church, serving officially from 1652 to 1666.
Why is Nikita Minin becomes patriarch of Russian Orthodox Church significant?
Nikon, born Nikita Minin (Никита Минин; 7 May [O.

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