The Khlysty Movement: A Radical Ascetic Group in Russian Orthodoxy
Khlysty (Russian: хлысты) is a term used in Russian Orthodox Church to describe a group of laypeople who were known for their extreme ascetic practices and their rejection of many of the trappings of mainstream society. The word "khlysty" comes from the Russian word "khlest," which means "to fast."
The Khlysty movement emerged in the late 16th century, and it was characterized by a strong emphasis on personal spiritual discipline and a rejection of many of the rituals and practices that were seen as unnecessary or worldly. The Khlysty believed that the only way to achieve true spiritual purity was through extreme forms of fasting, prayer, and physical mortification, such as flagellation and sleeping on the bare ground.
The Khlysty were often criticized by the Church authorities for their unorthodox practices, and many of them were persecuted or excommunicated. However, despite this opposition, the movement continued to grow and spread throughout Russia, and it had a significant influence on the development of Russian Orthodox spirituality.
Some of the key characteristics of the Khlysty movement include:
1. Extreme asceticism: The Khlysty believed in the importance of personal spiritual discipline and would often engage in extreme forms of fasting, prayer, and physical mortification.
2. Rejection of worldly trappings: The Khlysty rejected many of the rituals and practices that were seen as unnecessary or worldly, such as the use of icons, the celebration of holidays, and the wearing of elaborate clothing.
3. Emphasis on personal experience: The Khlysty believed that true spiritual purity could only be achieved through direct experience of God, rather than through the intermediary of the Church or its rituals.
4. Critique of Church authority: The Khlysty were often critical of the Church authorities and saw them as being corrupt or worldly.
5. Focus on inner spiritual purity: The Khlysty believed that true spiritual purity was not just a matter of external practices, but rather it required an inner transformation of the heart and soul.
Overall, the Khlysty movement was characterized by a strong emphasis on personal spiritual discipline, a rejection of many of the trappings of mainstream society, and a focus on inner spiritual purity. Despite the opposition of the Church authorities, the movement had a significant influence on the development of Russian Orthodox spirituality and continues to be studied and revered by many today.
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