Elder Sons of Alexander the Second and Moscow Metropolitan Filaret

Abstract

The article examines the problem of church-state relations in the Russian Empire in general and the relationship between Grand Dukes Nicholas and Alexander Alexandrovich and Metropolitan Filaret in particular. Being the most famous preacher, he dedicated his speeches to the eldest sons of Emperor Alexander II. The Grand Dukes repeatedly met with one of the most authoritative bishops of their time in 1851–1867, but their visits were not concerned with the spiritual pursuits, but rather resembled secular visits. The death of Tsesarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich in 1865 caused Metropolitan to write a letter of condolence and consolation, which is believed to have been addressed to Alexander II and Empress Maria Alexandrovna. However, a comparative analysis of the original of this epistle and its publications shows that the bishop addressed it to the empress, although he was sure that the tsar would read it. During the reign of Alexander II, Metropolitan Filaret was gradually turning into a kind of Moscow landmark, a mandatory visit to whom did not involve regarding the metropolitan as an experienced arch pastor. Nevertheless, the death of the hierarch caused various emotional reactions in the royal house, the interpretation of which enables to take a fresh look at the perception of one of the most authoritative Russian bishops by members of the Imperial family. The article hypothesizes about the reasons why Alexander II forbade Tsesarevich Alexander Alexandrovich to attend the metropolitan’s funeral.