Archbishop Anthony (Khrapovitsky) of Kharkiv and Okhtyrka: on the question of his activities at the head of the diocese (second half of 1914 - first half of 1915).

Abstract

Research aim. The article examines the motivation, methods, and actions of the archbishop, the features of implementing Russification policies, gaining the support of the local community, propaganda skills, and the possibility of interpreting his activities in Ukraine through the lens of dual loyalty.

         Methodology of the research. The methodology of the work is based on approaches of historical biographistics, in particular historical-critical, genealogical, typologization, reconstruction of facts and events from the life of a figure, reproduction of the social and intellectual portrait of a historical personality, namely mental boundaries, values, and motives of actions.

The scientific novelty. Archbishop Anthony managed to convince the local community that he would be maximally focused exclusively on diocese matters. He took every opportunity to be present in the public space while skillfully concealing his true intentions. Resorting to manipulations: asking not to be involved in matters in Saint Petersburg, he nevertheless traveled to the capital at the first opportunity to take part in meetings of the Holy Synod; denying current contacts with Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, he closely monitored the state of Ukrainian society in the occupied Ukrainian lands of Habsburg Empire; worked to implement the expansionist goals of the Russian government  in the field of providing Ukrainian-speaking priests for Eastern Galicia and in the Russification of Ukrainian orphans.

Conclusions. An analysis of Archbishop Anthony's activities in the Kharkiv province allows us to speak of his skillful use of techniques from the arsenal of political technology and manipulative practices, cleverly presented under the guise of protecting the interests of the Orthodox Church and the local population. At the same time, he implemented measures adopted by the Holy Synod to elevate the status of priests, monks and exert emotional influence on the faithful persistently and expertly. He was and remained a person of right-conservative views, a supporter of the "Russian world." throughout his life. There is no reason to characterize Anthony's views and activities as a manifestation of dual loyalty.