Bespopovtsy (беспоповцы, "priestless ones") are a Christian group based in Russia. They are Priestless Old Believers that reject Nikonite priests. They are one of the two major strains of Old Believers.

Historical background

After the reforms of Patriarch Nikon of Moscow in the 1650s, many members of the Russian Orthodox Church refused to acknowledge the changes which he had made to bring the church in line with the Greek Orthodox Church.

Modern beliefs

Priestless Old Believers may have evolved into the first Spiritual Christians which were divided into various and diverse tribal sects including: Pomortsy, Fedoseyans, Filippians, Beguny ("Runners"), Netovtsy/Netovshchina, and many others. Some reject priests and a number of church rites, such as the Eucharist, believing that any priest or hierarch who has used the Nikonite Rites has forfeited apostolic succession. Others still believe in the existence of a priesthood, but happen to find themselves without priests. Many such sects have historically received Nikonite priests that have publicly repented from the reforms of Patriarch Nikon.

The US

In the 21st century, over 7,000 Old Believers live in the US, with settlements in Oregon and Alaska.

Sources