Special Projects

The Society of Ancient Literature Devotees

The study and publication of ancient manuscripts, the nurturing of young people on the basis of canonical principles

German Sterligov heads the leadership of the Society of Ancient Literature Devotees, a charitable foundation for furthering the development of culture, which was re-founded in 2008, and which is continuing the tradition of the Society of Ancient Literature Devotees, which was organized during the reforms of Alexander II.

The Society was established upon the initiative of historian Prince Pavel Petrovich Vyazemsky and Count Sergei Dmitrievich Sheremetev, marshal of the Moscow provincial nobility. Over the years 1870 to 1890 alone, the Society's funds were used to publish over 200 facsimile editions of manuscripts and their extracts; the Society set up a unique library, museum and collection (which is now being kept in the manuscripts section of the Russian National Library); archeographic expeditions were organized, and scientific projects funded. The Society survived the October Revolution and only ceased to exist in 1932.

The charitable foundation, which is continuing the traditions of the Society of Ancient Literature Devotees, considers that its main role is to enlighten and nurture the younger generation by inculcating them with the highest standards set in the ancient orthodox writings, which, in the opinion of the foundation's organizers, should no longer be rarity items accessed by only a limited number of scholars, but should become an integral part of modern education and culture.

The traditions of the Society of Ancient Literature Devotees are currently being revived in the Scientific Research Manuscripts Section at the Russian State Library. The first facsimile edition to be prepared for printing was the Elisavetgradskoye Gospel, which is one of the most beautiful manuscripts being stored at the Russian State Library