p. 11 | Daybreak in Russia by G. Perk

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 4, 1912

Daybreak in Russia

By G. Perk

G. PERK

THE clear light of the gospel is beginning to break through and dispel the darkness that reigns in the established church of Russia. Many of its members realize that its foundations are not firm, and are reaching out for something else. Even archbishops have made utterances to this effect, and have proposed to the holy synod that they undertake church reforms, because they recognize their powerlessness in the face of heathenism and the different sects of Russia. Naturally they have made but little progress with such propositions in the all-powerful synod, and the result has been that certain priests and over-priests have fallen into disgrace. But the stone has begun to move, and that august body will be mightily shaken. A conflict among themselves is beginning.

Archimandrite Jefremm, from Tschita, Siberia, the powerful director of "true Russians," complains bitterly of the condition of the church in Siberia, for he sees it hard-pressed by different sects and by the heathen. Because of this he demands more rigorous laws and regulations against them; otherwise the "heathen" and those inclined to forsake the established church will triumph. On the other hand, another Russian clergyman writes from Siberia, in the Utrinjaga Swesda, an article which is worthy of notice. Among other things he says:—

"But how was it then, we ask, with the Christian church in the first centuries, which flourished in spite of the fact that it did not have the mighty of this world on its side? Yea, on the contrary, all society, the ruling religion, and the powers of the world persecuted and slaughtered them; and yet for all that, the small handful of those followers of Christ conquered the heathen kingdoms. And how is it to-day? — Millions of Christians under the protection of very rigid laws and the sway of Christian governments, under the protection of spear and bullet, can not manage a proportionately small number of so-called 'heathen.' Is not this the reason that the God of heaven stood for the early Christian, but has turned away from us, as he did once from Saul, because he sees our unrighteousness, because we are not willing to walk in his precepts? Is not this the reason that those early Christians were mighty in the Spirit, and strong in faith, and pleased God by their deeds? The Christians of to-day, on the contrary, have quenched the Spirit, and are, therefore, weak in the Spirit and incapable of faith, and God is not pleased with their deeds. Is not this the reason that the former relied wholly upon Christ and the Holy Spirit, and the latter upon the sword and external power of force?

"According to the opinion of Archimandrite Jefremm and his equals, in order to bring our faithful church into the first rank and uplift Christendom in general, it is absolutely essential to proclaim still more vigorous laws in favor of the church, to oppress the Jews more, to forbid the Jews to rebuild their temples, and not allow each one to worship God as he will, to oppress the different sects, as Baptists, Orthodox, etc., and in return for this to insure the clergy and the missionaries government support.

"Still we should like to call their attention to the fact that all these measures have already been tried, were long practised, and to a certain extent are still practised, and in spite of all this, our church of the true faith does not shine; on the contrary, it fell,—I even allowed myself to say on account of violent measures, fell,—and could not shine; for 'they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.' Force calls out that which is unnatural,—protest,—and this often brings ruin. See how they are leaving the true church by thousands and millions. Why? — Because they seek for spirit and spiritual life, and where can it be found among us? Everything with us is fossilized, an effusion of unalterable forms; and all is benumbed with cold, instead of moving forward with life. And take those few who still remain,—the half-unbelieving and hesitating intelligences, the superstitious and unenlightened people, who worship as God Czar Nicholas and the vessels containing the perpetually burning oil, knowing naught but the form, and never having heard of a spiritual life,—who is to blame for their darkness, if not we, the shepherds, and, above all, our over-shepherds, who find no time to devote to the education of the people (for example, in the war against alcohol, and against a wrong adoration and notion of the holy pictures, anthropomorphism, etc.), yet at the same time are wire-pulling, and persecuting the shepherds who are friendly to the duma? They will not hear a word of church reforms. Why ought not Christendom to fall?"

Thus are the Spirit of God and the holy angels working among us in Siberia; and although we shall, perhaps, have much to endure for the truth's sake, yet we know that the little flock which stands true to God's commands, and keeps the faith of Jesus, will win the final victory. Slowly and surely our work is advancing in this great country. Often it seems very difficult; but the Lord always opens the way, so that we walk dry-shod through the sea.