The Quarterly Journal of St. Philaret’s Institute

The activities of the RSCM, which was chaired by Professor V. V. Zen­kovsky, an outstanding teacher and religious thinker, were aimed at churching the younger generation of emigrants. The initial forms of religious work with youth in the RSHD were eventually supplemented by work with children and youth. The most widespread were the “vityazi” and “druzhinitsa” squads, which united boys and girls from 7 to 18 years old in similar squads. In 1934–1935, the “Vityazi” squad and the “Gerls’ druzhina” of the RSCM merged, and a single charter “Provisions of the United Fraternity Organization” was developed and proposed for publication. The background of this document in relation to the activities of the RSHD and its ideas is interesting and important. The focus is on the understanding of the national question by the leaders of the RSCM and its embodiment in the education of children and youth. The “Provisions” set out the main principles, purpose and covenants that form the basis of the fraternity organization; the conditions for admission of new members and pledges made upon joining the brotherhood; the document also describes the internal structure and procedure of the organization, including its structure, programs, the procedure for electing leaders and seniors, and the distinctive signs of various levels of leadership.