Faith in Tradition: Avvakum and the Birth of "Pop"

The second half of the 17th century was marked by tumultuous changes in the church world, and Avvakum became both a witness and an active participant in these processes. It was during this period, when traditional forms of worship clashed with new reformist ideas, that he sought to preserve the spirit of antiquity by emphasizing genuine devotion to ancient canons.

The bulk of his letters did not merely record another church reform – they reflected a profound internal conflict between the new orders and unshakeable traditions. Avvakum used the term “pop” to designate clergy who, despite the official innovations, remained faithful to the old rites and services. For him, this title had a special significance: it symbolized not merely ordination, but genuine service—with soul and blood invested in preserving the marks of ancient spirituality. Even among the newly appointed clergy there were those who strove to restore the original rites and attain a status worthy of respect for their devotion and self-sacrifice.

In conclusion, the notion of “pop” in Avvakum’s works represents more than just a title—it is an acknowledgment of eternal spiritual values. In a time of ecclesiastical turmoil and discord, the emergence of such a term symbolized hope for continuity and unity, where true clergy were united by a sincere love for antiquity. This perspective not only reflected the historical reality but continues to inspire the search for a balance between innovation and eternal traditions.

How did the name “pop” for priests come about, and what cultural or historical circumstances contributed to its emergence?

In his letters, dated to the second half of the 17th century, Avvakum depicts a complex period of church transformations, when a division arose between traditional service and new orders. The term “pop” was used specifically to designate those clergy who, despite the novelty of their ordination, maintained a connection with the traditional forms of worship characteristic of the old order.

Thus, in one of his letters to the “Faithful Slaves,” Avvakum writes that even if newly appointed clergy serve according to the old books, they can still be regarded as “pops”:
“…and the newly appointed pop, let him judge that. If he, as a pop, truly curses the Niconians and their service, and loves antiquity with all his might—according to the needs of the present time—then let him be a pop! How can the world do without pops? Come to those churches!” (source: 1317_6583.txt)

This indicates that the term began to be used for those clergy whose activities were connected with preserving ancient traditions and rituals, despite the officially instituted innovations in church order. Avvakum strove to preserve the “antiquity” and emphasized the significance of clergy for whom the traditional order remained the measure of true spirituality.

Later, in a letter to Father Jonah, he clarifies that even for those who received ordination under the renewed orders, the status of “pop” was possible provided they rendered special service—when they, having shed their blood for the old piety and additionally sanctified by the Higher Ordination, fully reunited with the liturgical traditions:
“But he still makes an exception for those ‘new’ priests who will shed their blood for the old piety and thereby additionally be sanctified by the Higher Ordination, and ‘from that moment will be a perfect pop: celebrating the liturgy and administering communion unimpeded’” (source: 1317_6583.txt)

Thus, the term “pop” arose not so much as an official position but as a popular, unofficial designation for clergy truly devoted to the canons of the old liturgy. In a time of cultural and historical turmoil, when church reforms divided the clergy into the “new” and supporters of the ancient order, the title “pop” became a symbol of continuity and loyalty to tradition, reflecting the deep religious and social experiences of that era.

Supporting citation(s):
“In his letter to the ‘Faithful Slaves’, … then let him be a pop! How can the world be without pops? Come to those churches!” (source: 1317_6583.txt)
“But he still makes an exception for those ‘new’ priests who will shed their blood for the old piety … and ‘from that moment will be a perfect pop: celebrating the liturgy and administering communion unimpeded’” (source: 1317_6583.txt)