Popovtsy sect

The Popovtsy are a group of Russian religious dissenters, often referred to as Old Believers. They emerged in the 17th century when they refused to accept liturgical reforms imposed by Patriarch Nikon on the Russian Orthodox Church.

The reforms, supported by Tsar Alexis Romanov, aimed to align Russian practices with those of the Greek Church. This included changes in liturgical books, the manner of crossing oneself, and clerical dress. Opposition was led by figures like Archpriest Avvakum Petrovich, and those who resisted were anathematized and persecuted.

The Popovtsy, meaning "priestly sects," distinguished themselves from the Bezpopovtsy ("priestless sects") by seeking to maintain an episcopate and priesthood. Despite persecution and resistance to Western innovations, many Old Believer groups survived and were officially recognized by the Soviet state. Some communities also exist in other parts of the world, including Brazil and the United States.123