By Saint Innocent (Veniaminov), Metropolitan of Moscow
Part 2. Special Instructions Concerning Teaching, Worship, and Interaction with Non-Russians
17) The dogmas of faith and the essence of active teaching must be held so firmly that nothing contrary to them should be said or allowed, even if certain death were to threaten you.
But indulgence must be shown to new converts, as infants in the faith, in regard to certain deficiencies in ritual, partly according to local circumstances, partly in anticipation of their confirmation in faith and life.
18) The local inhabitants are almost completely unable to observe fasts as they usually do, i.e., by changing food taken from the animal kingdom to plant food only, because of the locality itself; and their fasting may more conveniently consist not in the quality, but in the quantity and time of eating food. And therefore they should not be forced to observe fasts by changing food, but, first, explain to them the intention of establishing fasts and their benefit; then, according to their conviction and zeal, dispose them to keep the fast on certain days in such a way that, depending on the circumstances, they reduce the amount of acceptable food, and do not take it in the early hours of the day. As for the days of Holy Week, and especially the days before Holy Easter, then convince everyone to spend them in possible fasting – both physical and spiritual, in memory of the saving sufferings of Jesus Christ.
19) Listening to ordinary divine services, except for the liturgy, should not be made an obligatory obligation for new converts, and strict fulfillment of this should not be required; and therefore during your travels to distant places – when usually all those you visit must confess and receive the Holy Mysteries – do not consider it obligatory that they go to church for a whole week, as is usually done with us, but as much as circumstances allow, and only advise and remind them that at that time they should pray to God as often as possible in their hearts for the forgiveness of their sins, and also observe, as much as possible, a strict fast. For them, teaching the word of God is always a better preparation for receiving the sacraments than reading ordinary psalms and prayers; because none of them will understand what is read in church for a very long time.
20) When concluding marriages, relaxations of the strictness of the rules can be allowed only for the most respectful reasons and out of extreme need, and what exactly the relaxations may be, you will be given special instructions about. The small number of the local population, as in patriarchal times, will not allow the circle of kinship forbidden to marriage to be expanded far; however, the prohibitions laid down on this subject in the book of Leviticus must be kept in mind without fail.
21) Do not suddenly abandon old customs that are not contrary to Christianity, but only explain that this is permitted to them by leniency.
22) Foreigners who have not received Holy Baptism, if it is not foreseen that some insult to the sanctuary or violation of propriety may occur from them, not only should they not be prohibited from participating in our divine services, such as vespers, matins and prayers (if they so desire), but they should even be invited to do so.
As for the liturgy, although according to the rules of the church they should not be allowed to listen to the liturgy of the faithful, but since once the ambassadors of St. Vladimir in Constantinople, being pagans, were admitted to hear the entire liturgy, and this served for the inexplicable benefit of all of Russia, then you, at your discretion, can show similar indulgence, in the hope of the saving effect of the sanctuary on hearts still darkened.
23) No marriage unions and contracts concluded before Baptism are to be considered an obstacle to receiving Holy Baptism, and no marriages concluded before Baptism, including the most consanguineous (which, however, can hardly be found), are to be dissolved and not entered into the investigation of them.
24) New converts, neither before Baptism, nor at the Baptism itself, nor soon after it, are not to give, and not allow godparents to give, any gifts, so that this could not be used as bait for foreigners or a pretext for various tricks (as happened with some Asians). And therefore, during the baptism of foreigners, do not give them shirts or anything else except crosses, but dress them in the very clothes in which they will appear to receive Baptism, because in the eyes of many of the local savages, even a simple shirt is an expensive and tempting thing.
25) With the Holy Antimins given to you, you have the power to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in any place: both in a clean, uninhabited house and in the open air; but for this purpose, for many reasons, it is more appropriate to have a special tent, which you pitch in places that are as clean as possible. And in such places, persuade the inhabitants to put up crosses, which will then be both a sign of the place itself where the bloodless sacrifice was offered, and a place of public prayer for the inhabitants in your absence.
26) Have a more permanent residence where it will be more useful and necessary. Especially happy is that preacher whose presence among his people is considered by the foreigners to be their good fortune.
27) In teaching the doctrine in the above order, be careful not to begin explaining the subsequent subjects until all those listening to you, or at least the greater part of them, have understood the preceding, even though this might delay the baptism of many. The more firmly the foundation is laid, the stronger the building will be and the easier it will be to build it.
28) Concerning the teaching of faith and Christian law, do not use any proofs that are not confirmed by Holy Scripture, much less invent false miracles and revelations, under fear of the strictest condemnation. But if somewhere the Lord visibly shows His power either in a miraculous healing of someone, or an extraordinary revelation, etc., then do not hide such works of God, but, having made a proper and most impartial investigation of the matter, present it to your superiors with all the evidence.
29) In order to increase the number of those receiving Holy Baptism, by no means use any measures or means that are not characteristic of the Gospel spirit and unbecoming of a preacher, such as: no coercion, no threats, no gifts, no promises (benefits, etc.), no vain deceptions, but always act with apostolic sincerity.
30) Do not begin to grant Holy Baptism to foreigners until they have been taught by you the above-mentioned subjects of faith and law, and when they themselves have expressed their consent to this.
31) All the peoples living in our Russian colonies are considered to belong to Russia; but those of them who are not enlightened by Holy Baptism do not yet know that they are under the powerful protection of Russia, and that their peace, which they enjoy, is her blessing; and therefore you must instill this in them, and in general, at every convenient opportunity, try to present to them the superiority of our government in comparison with others, its selfless care for them, concern, etc.
32) Upon arrival at the appointed place, do not say at all that you have been sent by the government, do not pretend to be some kind of leader, but as a simple wanderer who wishes true well-being for his neighbors and has come only to show the means and, if possible, to lead to this.
33) From the first time you take office, by your behavior and virtues, appropriate to your rank and title, try to earn a good opinion and respect for yourself, both from foreigners and from Europeans living there. A good opinion makes you respect, and those who are not respected are not listened to.
34) Do not show obvious contempt for their way of life, customs, etc., no matter how worthy they may seem; for nothing can offend and irritate savages so much as obvious contempt for them and ridicule of them and everything that is theirs.
35) From the first meeting with foreigners, try to gain their trust and goodwill, but not with gifts or flattery, but with prudence, readiness for any help, good and prudent advice and sincerity. Otherwise, who will open his heart to you if he does not have trust, etc.
36) In teaching, and in general in conversations with foreigners, be brief, affectionate, simple, do not at all show a majestic teacher’s appearance, which can greatly harm the success of your business.
37) When any of the foreigners speaks to you, listen attentively, indulgently and patiently, and answer their questions intelligibly, and with special favor and kindness; for a question from a foreigner concerning spiritual matters is a very important matter for the preacher, for it can show both the state of the soul of the questioner, and his abilities, and the desire for enlightenment. But not answering a foreigner once, or answering with insult to him, can force him to remain silent forever. 38) Those who do not wish to receive Holy Baptism, even after several persuasions, should not be upset in any way, and especially not forced to accept Baptism. And although justice requires in dealing with savages to be more kind and attentive to those who have already accepted Christianity or are ready to accept it, but you, as a preacher of the Gospel, should not insult those who do not wish to accept the preaching of the Gospel and are obliged to treat them in a friendly manner. This will be the best proof that you wish them true well.
39) Among some of the savages there one may encounter polygamy, but always only among the rich and powerful; and therefore, when inclining them to monogamy, act with all prudence and by no means act here in an imperious manner, so as not to embitter and irritate them.
40) From new converts and new converts, do not under any circumstances demand any contributions or offerings for the church, or for any other godly works; but also do not reject and kindly accept offerings from those who themselves and of their own free will will offer something. But only with this, that when accepting any offering, explain to those bringing the intention and purpose of such offerings, so as not to instill in them the thought that God, like their spirits, requires offerings, or that they are a purifying or propitiatory sacrifice, etc. 41) Without extreme necessity do not take or demand from the newly converted guides or workers for your journey, and especially on assignment, so as not to give them reason to think that, by accepting Christianity, they are at the same time becoming slaves or workers of their enlighteners. However, it is unlikely that there will ever be a need for such demands. But if such or a similar need should occur, then ask for assistance from the savages in a friendly manner, and always pay for the work of the guides and all those who serve. 42) Under no circumstances should you accept from the newly enlightened and other foreigners any gifts or offerings, and do not enter into any commercial relations with them, either personally or through others, under fear of the strictest judgment; even for the food itself, accept from them what is needed only out of necessity and for a fee, or out of zeal offered at a meal. 43) Travel should be undertaken at a convenient time, i.e. when the local inhabitants are freer from hunting animals and fishing, so as not to deprive foreigners of their benefits by an untimely journey. But if it should turn out that it is possible to visit some place with greater benefit only during the fishing season, then report this in advance to the appropriate authorities, with a description of all the causes and consequences that may arise from this or that, and at the same time report to the nearest local authorities, so that they, for their part, report this to the main (colonial) authorities. 44) Require from the nearest local authorities aids for travel and the performance of their duties, such as: an interpreter, a kayak, guides and travel expenses for them. But such demands should be limited to the very necessity, so as not to burden the Campaign with excess and inappropriateness of them and not to embarrass the nearest local authorities.
45) In order to be more reliable and useful to your parishioners, you must learn their language in a short time, at least to the point of understanding at first. The sexton who is with you is obliged to learn their language completely. You have the duty to observe this.
46) Try to learn in detail the faith, rituals, customs, inclinations, character and the whole way of life of your parishioners, especially in order to act on them more reliably and conveniently.
Note. Doing justice to their good customs is a matter of no small importance for your success.
47) During your visit and stay in the place, when time permits, give the savages advice and
insult, sincerely and friendly, and all such advice and instructions should be consistent with the locality and the simplicity of their customs.
48) Do not enter into the investigation of worldly affairs and do not weaken any authority established by the authorities or their own in the eyes of foreigners, either by overt or secret suggestions. Since Jesus Christ Himself, while living on earth, did not offend any government and did not touch anyone’s property rights. But if somewhere the commander of a redoubt or other place is far from the supervision of the (colonial) authorities, and his actions and treatment of foreigners are too cruel and intolerable, then such a person should first be admonished and instructed with meekness and friendliness, but if such a measure is ineffective, then thoroughly and with all fairness write about it secretly to the dean, for the attention of the (colonial) authorities. 49) Judging by the meek character of many savages, it seems that with their peaceful and preacher of the Gospel behavior, it is impossible to expect any attack or attempt on life from them; but if, contrary to expectation, any danger to your life were to occur, then decisive and final measures to protect yourself should be taken only in the most extreme cases. But you will be a hundred times more blessed if you are deemed worthy to suffer for the sake of the name of Jesus Christ.
50) During your stay in America, if you encounter any matter concerning a state secret, then by no means write about it to anyone in private letters, but act in accordance with the exact force of the decree of the Sovereign Emperor Peter I, given by him on the 13th day of January 1724. And also concerning church matters, which you yourself cannot decide, act in accordance with the meaning of the same decree.
Source in Russian: Works of Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow / Coll. Ivan Barsukov. Book 1-3. – Moscow: Synod. type., 1886-1888. / Book 1. – 1886. – VI, 494, [3], p. / Instructions for a priest appointed to convert non-believers and guide those converted to the Christian faith. 239-263 p.
