Orthodoxy and developments in the Church: attempts to increase power of the Tsar
Peter restructured the Russian Orthodox Church so the Tsar controlled it directly. He replaced its independent leader with a government committee, making the Church an arm of the state.
Real World
Peter's Holy Synod of 1721 made the Church a government department in the same way that Henry VIII's break with Rome gave the English Crown control over church appointments and finances — both rulers used religious reform to consolidate absolute power.
Exam Focus
Exam questions on the Church often require you to explain both what Peter did and why it mattered — always state the consequence for Tsarist power, not just the reform itself.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?