Pension Provision for the Orthodox Parish Clergy in the Second Half of the 19th - Early 20th Century (Based on the Materials of Kyiv Eparchy)

The article analyses the historical experience of the Kyiv diocese regarding the implementation of pension payments for the Orthodox parish clergy, a crucial aspect of the social protection system for the population. Although initial steps toward creating a pension system for the clergy were taken in the late 18th century, it was only in 1866 that the "Temporary rules..." introduced pension provisions for clergymen. The article underscores that a strict requirement of 35 years of service was established for eligibility, taking into account the proper performance of liturgical duties and the morality of the clergyman. However, the pension provision did not encompass all categories of parish clergy, and those who had to leave service earlier due to health reasons were deprived of material support. Priests' widows were granted a pension only if the husband died while in service and entitled to payments or retired as non-staff. The pension rate for widows with small, ill children increased. Deacons gained the right to pension payments only from January 1, 1880. Priests without the corresponding work experience could only rely on one-time assistance from the state and minimal support from Kyiv eparchial guardianship. In the early 20th century, a new pension statute was issued, representing a significant improvement in the material support of non-staff clergy and their families. This statute was more aligned with the terms and conditions of service, introducing payments for the psalomnyks (clergy) for the first time. Local sources, particularly the activities of the Emeritus Fund and the One-time Benefit Fund, played a crucial role in providing for the clergy. The scientific novelty of the research lies in clearly defining the problem, deepening the understanding of the social provision for the Orthodox clergy, and specifying its territorial boundaries. The detailed consideration of the regional aspect of pension provision helps highlight general trends in historical experience in pension reform. The article aims to enhance the overall understanding of pension provision for the Orthodox parish clergy in the second half of the 19th to the early 20th century, focusing specifically on the materials of the Kyiv diocese. The application of scientific principles, objectivity, historicism, and the use of historical methods allows for the consolidation of information into a systematic and logically complete analysis, revealing that a pension system for the Orthodox clergy was finally established in the early 20th century, significantly improving the financial situation of parish clergy.