June 13, 2023

Medieval Musings


Medieval Musings
The collapse of the ceiling in the State Duma of the Russian Empire, 1907. Wikimedia Commons.

The Russian education system may see the reintroduction of Domostroy, a medieval guide to life and ethics authored by Archpriest Sylvester, Ivan the Terrible's confessor.

The proposal came from Alexei Didenko, deputy head of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) faction in the State Duma. Didenko argued that Domostroy should be mandatory reading for students of all ages due to the perceived decline in the significance of marriage in contemporary Russia, where over half of registered unions result in divorce.

“This leads to a decline in the population and a crisis in the institution of the family,” Didenko said, “The return of Domostroy will help overcome this problem. This ancient guide to everyday life and family life should become a subject in schools and universities so that our citizens learn from childhood to build strong and happy families."

Domostroy is divided into three sections, each offering guidance on different aspects of life. The first section focuses on proper conduct and prayer within the church, while the second emphasizes respect for leaders. The third section covers domestic life and household management.

The book also advocates physical discipline in child-rearing, suggesting that parents should discipline their children from a young age and take pride in their courage. It also offers recommendations on how to treat wives, suggesting that they should be obedient and kept clean but advises caution when administering punishment, suggesting the polite use of a whip – while holding their hands.

Furthermore, Domostroy promotes a sense of fear and reverence towards one's leaders, considering them representatives of God on Earth.

You Might Also Like

Sweet Somethings
  • November 01, 2017

Sweet Somethings

As fall deepens and winter approaches, what could be better than a warm honey drink imbued with Russian history.
Food of the Gods
  • March 01, 2017

Food of the Gods

We look at the special place in Russian culture occupied by tvorog, and of course offer a tasty recipe...
Fugitive No. 1
  • March 18, 2023

Fugitive No. 1

Russian President and Indicted War Criminal Vladimir Putin had a bad day.
Fighting for God and Putin
  • October 04, 2022

Fighting for God and Putin

Patriarch Kirill says that Russians can fast-track their way to heaven by fighting in Ukraine.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Moscow Eccentric
December 01, 2016

The Moscow Eccentric

Advance reviewers are calling this new translation "a coup" and "a remarkable achievement." This rediscovered gem of a novel by one of Russia's finest writers explores some of the thorniest issues of the early twentieth century.

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

White Magic
June 01, 2021

White Magic

The thirteen tales in this volume – all written by Russian émigrés, writers who fled their native country in the early twentieth century – contain a fair dose of magic and mysticism, of terror and the supernatural. There are Petersburg revenants, grief-stricken avengers, Lithuanian vampires, flying skeletons, murders and duels, and even a ghostly Edgar Allen Poe.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955