Pastors should take part in investigations

This document was distributed (1845) to all Vidzeme [Livland] parishes, and it comprises some instructions to the Pastors - what they should do concerning the conversion of Latvian Lutherans to the Greek Orthodox religion. The active conversion started in April 1845, and many Latvians left the Lutheran Church. Really, as the document confirms, there were rumors that the conversion to the Greek Orthodox Church should be profitable. More on conversion events in the Page on the Orthodox Church and in the Page about Conversions.

Befehl

Seiner Kaiserlichen Majestät,
des Selbst herrschers aller Reussen etc.,
aus dem
Livländischen Evangelisch-Lutherischen Provinzial-Consistorium
an sämmtliche unter dasselbe sortirende Herren Prediger.

In Folge Antrages Sr. Excellenz des Herrn General-Gouverneurs von Liv-, Est- und Kurland, Generals der Infanterie etc. etc. etc. Golowin, vom 7 September a.c., sub Nr. 121, wird den HH. Predigern hiermit aufgegeben, auf deshalb von den resp. Ordnungsrichtern ergehende Aufforderung unweigerlich den Untersuchungen zur Ausmittelung derjenigen Subjecte, welche unter dem Landvolke zum Nachtheil der orthodoxen Kirche falsche Gerüchte verbreiten, als ob mit dem Uebertritte zu derselben materielle Votheile verbunden seyen, beizuwohnen.

Gegeben im Livl. Prov.-Consistorium zu Riga, den 13. Sept. 1845.

R.J.L.Samson,
Präses.

Secretair Fliedner.

My translation:

Order

of His Imperial Majesty of the Sovereign of all the Russians etc. via the Ev.-Luth. Consistory of Livland to all the Sirs Pastors of this Consistory.

In succession of the request of His Excellency General Governor of Liv-, Est- and Kurland, infantry general etc. etc. Golowin on September 7 this year on Nr. 121 the Sirs Pastors hereby are charged to be present inevitably by the demand of the local Order courts at the search for persons who should be investigated concerning the distribution in the countryside of false and deleterious to the Orthodox Church rumors that the conversion to that Church would be connected with material advantages.

Issued by Province Consistory of Livland in Riga, September 13, 1845

R.J.L.Samson. Chairman

Secretary Fliedner.