Parish Network and Religiousness in the Region of Popovo in the 16th-17th Centuries

Authors:

Pages: 94-107
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/HATF5827

Abstract:

We will concentrate our attention on the smallest entity which shaped the infrastructure of the church organization – the parish in the region of Popovo. Analysis of the registers from the 16th century in (1524–1550; 1555–1556; 1598) shows us the presence of one complete parish network. The large number of priests and sons of priests in some settlements shows growth and consolidation of the parish network in a number of settlements – Dolne Kovachofche, Palamariche, Haydar, Ablanovo and Gagovo. This is probably due to the migration of clerics from other parts of the empire to these Christian villages. On the other hand, a large part of the villages remain without priests throughout the studied period. The reason for the “lack” of priesthood is not only the “deficiency” of priests but also the small number of the registered Christian population in these villages during 17th century. The widespread use of names borrowed from the Christian church shows the high degree of religiosity of people and the place of religion in their lives.

Keywords:

the Ottoman Empire, church, priests, priesthood, Christian community, anthroponomy of the population

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