Possessors
Quick Summary
The "Possessors" were a Russian religious faction, also known as Josephites, who emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries. Led by figures like Saint Joseph of Volokolamsk, they advocated for the church's right to own land and wealth, which they believed should be used for charitable and social work. This position contrasted with the "Nonpossessors," led by Nil Sorsky, who called for greater monastic poverty and spiritual focus. The Josephites' triumph led to a close alliance between the church and the state, blurring the lines between religious dissent and treason. This theological and political controversy significantly shaped Russian religious and political thought.12
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