After the fall of Constantinople in 1453, the Orthodox Church experienced a significant transformation, with a large part of its adherents coming under the direct rule of the Ottoman Empire, while its spiritual center shifted and flourished in other regions, particularly in Russia.
Life Under Ottoman Rule
The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks brought a vast number of the world's Orthodox Christians under Islamic dominion. Despite this, the Ottoman Empire did not extinguish the Orthodox Church. Instead, it allowed the church to continue its existence, albeit under specific conditions.
- The Millet System: The Ottomans implemented the "millet" system, which granted religious communities, including the Orthodox Christians, a degree of internal autonomy. The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople was recognized as the head of the Orthodox Millet (Rum Millet), responsible not only for the spiritual welfare but also for the civil administration of Orthodox Christians within the empire. This meant the Patriarch had considerable authority over his flock, including judicial and administrative powers in matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
- Challenges and Restrictions: While maintaining a degree of autonomy, the Church faced significant challenges. Churches could not be built without permission, and proselytization was forbidden. Christians were subject to various taxes, including the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims), and certain legal disadvantages. Despite these pressures, Orthodoxy continued to flourish within the Ottoman Empire among its Christian subject peoples, preserving their faith and traditions.
The Rise of Russian Orthodoxy
In contrast to the subjugation under Ottoman rule, Orthodoxy experienced a period of remarkable growth and consolidation in Russia.
- Moscow as the "Third Rome": With Constantinople, the "Second Rome," having fallen to the Ottomans, Russia increasingly saw itself as the spiritual successor to the Byzantine Empire. The concept of "Moscow as the Third Rome" emerged, asserting Russia's role as the last bastion of true Orthodoxy and the protector of the Orthodox faith worldwide.
- Strengthened National Church: The Russian Orthodox Church gained immense power and influence during this period. It became deeply intertwined with the Russian state, providing spiritual legitimacy to the Tsars and playing a crucial role in shaping Russian national identity. Monasteries became centers of learning, art, and spiritual life, expanding their influence across vast territories.
Comparative Overview
The post-1453 period thus saw a divergence in the experiences of Orthodox Christians depending on their geographical and political context:
| Region | Status of Orthodox Church | Key Developments |
|---|---|---|
| Ottoman Empire | Flourished under a degree of autonomy via the Millet system | Preservation of faith and traditions; Patriarch of Constantinople gained civil authority; faced restrictions and taxes |
| Russian Empire | Flourished and gained immense power and influence | Emergence of "Moscow as the Third Rome"; close ties with the state; expansion of monasticism and spiritual life |
In essence, the fall of Constantinople, while a devastating blow to the Byzantine Empire, did not signify the end of the Orthodox Church. Instead, it led to a complex period of survival, adaptation, and flourishing in different regions, cementing its resilience and enduring presence in the world.
