CHAPTER XVI
EXCOMMUNICATION AND ILLNESS
Towards the end of the century, Tolstoy’s influence was universally recognised. In Russia, people of all classes—especially those whose consciences were awakened and who were dissatisfied with the existing ways of living—began to pay deep attention to his words, and addressed themselves to him for help and encouragement in their initial efforts.
In order to paralyse Tolstoy’s influence, the Russian State Church decided to take measures against him. On March 5th, 1901, the Holy Synod issued a ukase excommunicating Tolstoy from the Greek Orthodox Church on account of his false doctrines and un-repentance. This involved deprivation of the protection of the Church, its prayers, and burial in conformity with Orthodox rites.
The excommunication provoked quite unexpected results. On the day of the promulgation of the ukase in Moscow, serious disorders took place
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