Abstract:
In the article based on a large number of historical sources, the author analyzes the attitude of the Old Russian hierarchs to usury (mainly in the 12th century). Church rules on the usury sin are analyzed in detail. The Old Russian hierarchs were guided by the rules of the translated nomokanons. It was established that some hierarchs did not show rigor to eradicate the sin of lichoism (Novgorod bishop Lukа Zhidyatа, Novgorod archybishop Nifont, metropolitan Nikifor). An irreconcilable fighter against moneylenders was the Novgorod archbishop Ilya-Ioann. Hierarchs focused on different recommendations of church rules, which differed significantly from each other. This explains the paradox of difference. In 1113, an uprising broke out in Kiev against moneylenders. Riot was stopped by Vladimir Monomakh, who was called to the Grand Duke’s table. He also took measures to prevent profit at the expense of gigantic interest. In the situation of 1113, he developed the Charter on Cuts, which was included in the Russkaya Pravda (Russian Justice). However, the usury was not outlawed by Monomakh. He only limited the “great rez (cut),” alleviating the position of debtors. The most basic anti-usurious declaration was stated in Asking by Quiricus of Novgorod. Problem of usury sin did not lose relevance in subsequent years. Since the party of principled fighters against usury was small and did not win influence, sin continued to exist for centuries.
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