Abstract
The purpose of the research is to analyze the structure, position and definition of the main trends in the environment of the Orthodox clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese in the early 1980s, as well as to study its role and influence on socio-cultural and religious processes in the region. The research methodology is based on the use of general scientific and special historical research methods, including problem-chronological, historical-comparative, typological, diachronic, etc. The scientific novelty is that for the first time the clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna diocese in the early 1980s became the object of a separate scientific study. Conclusions. The clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese in the early 1980s was quite homogeneous, and its number was constant, reaching an average of 150 people. Such a number of priests did not meet the needs of the diocese. About a third of the priests were over 60 years old, which in some places did not allow them to fully cope with the workload that existed. This situation is primarily related to the measures of the Soviet authorities, which were directed against the ordination of new priests, especially young people and persons of middle age and obstacles to their admission to theological educational institutions. Despite this, most of the priests of the diocese had an adequate spiritual education. As a way out of the situation, the ruling bishop ordained priests from among capable psalmists and choristers, who undertook to receive the necessary spiritual education in absentia, to vacant parishes. Orthodox priests played an important role in the lives of believers in the region, ensuring the satisfaction of their religious needs. In the region, a significant number of religious observances and the presence of the faithful at services, in particular young people, were noted. Preaching activity was an important component of service. The financial situation of priests was influenced on the one hand by the significant attendance of churches and the performance of religious duties, which contributed to a fairly high level of financial support, and on the other hand by the Soviet discriminatory tax policy and other methods of extorting funds from the clergy.