An Inquiry into the Old Believer Schism
“An Inquiry into the Old Believer Schism” is a polemical work by St. Dimitry of Rostov devoted to an examination of the Old Believer schism. The author systematically investigates the faith, teaching, and practice of the schismatics, comparing their views with the teaching of the Orthodox Church, Holy Scripture, and Church Tradition. Particular attention is given to questions of Church unity, rites, the priesthood, the Sacraments, and the understanding of the true faith. The saint examines his opponents’ arguments in detail, seeking to show not only their erroneousness but also the internal contradictions of the schismatic worldview. The book is written clearly and systematically, and is therefore of interest not only as a monument of early eighteenth-century Church polemics but also as a model of Orthodox apologetics. It helps the reader understand the causes and logic of the Russian Old Believer schism, as well as the principles of the Church’s response to divisions and false teachings.