The influence of local authorities on the process of christianization in the diocese of Vyatka and Great Perm in the 18th century

In the 18th century in Russia, the process of Christianization of peoples who professed non-Christian religions (paganism and Islam) took place. In this article, some features of the mutual relations of local authorities of the Vyatka-Kama region and the non-Russian population are considered. The following questions are investigated: the legislation of the Russian Empire concerning missionary work; the role of the Vyatka and Sloboda Provincial Chancelleries in the implementation of laws; oppression of unbaptized and newly baptized by local officials; the reaction of the Vyatka bishops to the actions of the civil authorities. Within the Vyatka and Great Perm Diocese, several non-Russian peoples have lived for several centuries: Udmurts, Tatars, Cheremis (Mari) and Besermyans. During the 18th century, the central authorities issued laws aimed at their full Christianization. The study revealed that officials of the Vyatka and Sloboda Provincial Chancelleries often prevented the implementation of legislative acts emanating from the central authorities. On the other hand, there is also evidence of an opposite side to the activity of civil servants, which is reflected in their help to Christian missionaries