DOGMA

The story behind this altered plagiarized document

"Principles of the True Spiritual Christian Russian Molokans,
Since 1803. Comprising 27 [29] Articles"

"Articles are translated and printed word for word from the Prayerbook of the Spiritual Christian Molokans, 3rd edition. Published in 1910 by M. P. Lezin. Douay* Version of the Bible used for reference. Words in Parenthesis, King James Version."

"A full English translation of the Russian texts quoted throughout the Articles may be seen in the Douay version of the Bible. These texts will be found to correspond, chapter and verse."

"Editor's Note: The 6th commandment, "Thou shalt not kill," which constitutes one of the main cornerstones of the Molokan religion was for some reason omitted in the above articles. The Editor suspects that the censorship rules existing at the time Lezin's Prayer-Book was published [1910] had prevented the publisher from covering this all-important subject."


Webmaster edit notes are shown here in RED. Original text is in black font. 

The fabricated document below — "Tenets and Principles of the Spiritual Christian Dukh-i-zhizniki, Since 2003" — was created mainly to show courts in Los Angeles County that they have a "statement of faith" which lists "Do Not Judge." The statement was delivered to California Superior Courts hoping to facilitate some members who choose to avoid jury duty.

The origin of the original 1803 Molokan creed appears to have been patterned similar to many existing Christian creeds, statements of faiths. More comparative analysis later.

The above in black font are the exact title and footnotes as published in the Molokan Review 1948 and 1949, by Paul Ivan. Samarin, Los Angeles, editor. The Lezin Prayer book for the Molokan faith was handwritten and copied by hand many times in Russia. The Molokan Review was published by Spiritual Christian Dukh-i-zhizniki who immigrated to Los Angeles as a mixture of Spiritual Christian faiths then unsuccessfully attempted to homogenize as united congregations in Southern California.

The Samarin version of these Dogma was reported to have been published as a booklet in Russian. I have not yet seen this booklet, but it was republished in 2 sections in the Anchor, Journal of the Young Russian Christian Association (Dec. 1958, Jan. 1959), where it appears in a much abbreviated form as 7 articles.

The Douay Bible was "used for reference" because it more closely corresponds with the Russian Bible. Both are translated from the Greek Bible, not the Latin. Other prayer books were bought to the US, one was by Portnov and Chermisin, but none contained such a list.

The "Editor's Note" about suspected censorship of "Thou shalt not kill" indicates that he (they) may not have been aware that in October 1905 freedom of religion and speech was ordered in Russia and was in effect in 1910, hence such censorship was unlikely. It is more likely "Thou shalt not kill" was not part of the dogma of those Molokane associated with Lezin when he composed the 1803 list. It probably would have been added for those Molokane who moved to New Russia where they adapted liturgy from neighboring German Anabaptists who were pacifists with military exception. In the U.S. during WWII, only two Molokane appear on C.O. rosters, one each in jail and camp. There is no list yet showing how many Spiritual Christians by group were enlisted as non-combatant.

Since Dukh-i-zhizniki had no dogma list, they plagiarized this list from the Molokan faith along with the name of the faith, inserting the word "True" in front, falsely presenting themselves as "True Molokans." This presented a delusion, to outsiders and themselves, that Dukh-i-zhizniki were amalgamated with a unified doctrine.

The Dukh-i-zhiznik faith officially began in the U.S. in 1928, not 1803 in Russia, and they are instructed in their ritual book to reject the Molokan faith, and their former Prygun and Subbotnik faiths, and  all other (666 count) faiths in the world.
 
These 27 translated English articles were republished in June 1982 when 1,000 copies — as a 2-sided, 18" x 9", folded brochure — were reproduced "as is" from the Molokan Review and distributed free with The 1980 Molokan Directory, Clovis CA. (Both the Molokan Review and Molokan Directory should have been titled Dukh-i-zhiznik Review and Spiritual Christian Directory.)

Two more items were added in the late-1990s, when few American Dukh-i-zhiznik presbyters in Los Angeles addressed a problem presented by co-congregants who were called for jury duty and could not show to the court any document of faith proving they objected to judging others in court. Much of Dukh-i-zhiznik faith is published in their "secret" holy book (Kniga solntse, dukh i zhizn') and scattered among evolving oral histories. Their nature prevents members with opposing views to hold civil meetings, or agree how to put their faith on paper. They had no confession of faith to show the court, nor did they testify, or try to testify, that their personal conviction prevented them from judging others. The irony is they commonly judge each other.

When this plagiarized list was published about 2003, diaspora Dukh-i-zhizniki did not discuss "affirmation" as a legal alternative to "testifying" in court. The most zealous lack sufficient education to distinguish between these legal concepts, and will verbally attack anyone of "front row" standing who obeys the government law regarding jury duty.

A solution was provided about year 2003 when this 1948 plagiarized list translation was edited and 2 articles of faith added to satisfy the courts and the oral history against killing. No official meeting was held. A few decided just to add "Do Not Judge," and "Do Not Kill." To make it clear to the court, they included "Hence, we as Christian Molokans, cannot serve on a jury." In reality, more members of Dukh-i-zhiznik congregations go to court, sue people for money, take oaths and serve on juries than decline. These Dogmas were reformulated to assist those few who want to decline jury duty, and in case a military draft is reinstated in the future.

The 29 amended articles were reprinted and distributed without any reference indicating when or why they were printed or changed, nor was any source cited. Here is a summary of the changes and edits made about 2003:
The plagiarized Dukh-i-zhiznik confession of faith below appears similar to that of early Anabaptists (1527). The following table compares the topics of the Schleitheim Confession with this Dukh-i-zhiznik "Tenets and Principles."
Anabaptist
Baptism
Ban (Excommunication)
Breaking of Bread (Communion)
Separation from Evil
Pastors in the Church
Sword (Christian pacifism)
Oath
Dukh-i-zhiznik
12
15, 19*
15
19, 20
3
29
27
* Dukh-i-zhizniki actively ban members and congregations, but have no written rule for how this cleansing should be done. Some inconsistently ban those who divorce, marry out, join another faith, question or debate elders, don't dress, act or look proper, or whose relatives have done so. Most congregations regularly perform a similar part of the Anabaptist rule for Ban : "This should always occur prior to the breaking of the bread," by ritually asking the congregation if anyone has offended another before holiday meals and major services with meals (wedding, funeral, etc.). Dissenting parties are asked to forgive each other. In the process they each reply that "God forgives" the other. Typically, dissenting parties never agree, remain silent and stay, often continuing to periodically argue; or split to form a new congregation, or join another congregation, or quit the faith. In comparison, when Molokane accept a new member who wishes to join their congregation, the petitioner(s) ask forgiveness if they have offended anyone and if they owe money to anyone (to join with no  debt).

The Dukh-i-zhizniki should have composed an honest simple version of their actual confessions of faith as practiced, even though it would cause more divisions, and they cannot unify all congregations in the world. A good start would be the 10 Commandments, iconoclasm, the Anabaptist 7 articles, Holy Jumping with 2 hands up, prophesy, room arrangement, mens' beard and hair parting, worship book version, artifacts, and mandatory rules from the Kniga solnste, dukh i zhizn' (1928). A problem is their main martyr M. G. Rudomyotkin requires them to not reveal his writings with non-believers, and to meet him for his resurrection and the Apocalypse on Mt. Ararat, Turkey.

The only document which defines Dukh-i-zhiznik banning was created to determine who could be buried in the cemetery registered as: — Russian Molokan Christian Spiritual Jumpers Cemetery Association, Inc. — on Slauson Ave, City of Commerce, CA.

Editorial comments on this web page are shown in RED font. If anyone knows anything different about the history of these Dogma, please send in additions and corrections. If anyone has Lezin's Prayerbook, could you please send in a copy of these Dogma in Russian, so I can display the original Russian side-by-side with the translation. If anyone wants a printed copy of the 1982 reprint, let me know.
  — Andrei Conovaloff  (last updated 15 May 2018 ).

 

[Tenets and] Principles of the 
True Spiritual Christian Russian Molokans 

Spiritual Christian Dukh-i-zhizniki

Since 1803 ~2003

(Copied from the Molokane
and edited )
29 Articles
1.  God
2.  Prayer
3.  Church
4.  Placing a Sign of the Cross      
5.  Images of Saints
6.  Bishops and Priests
7.  Using the Ornates
8.  Sacrificial Offerings
9.  The Throne
10.  Censer and Incense
11.  Vessels
12.  The Baptism
13.  Naming of an Infant
14.  Anointment
15.  The Holy Communion
16.  Repentance
17.  Marriage
18.  Crowns
19.  Affusion and Purification [Cleansing]
20.  Fasting
21.  Funerals of the Dead
22.  Resurrection of the Dead
23.  Commemoration of the Dead
24.  Seventh Day
25.  Kings and Authorities
26.  Added: Do Not Judge
27.  Oath : formerly #26
28.  Our Sect [Our Faith] : formerly #27
29.  Added: Thou Shalt Not Kill

 

Article 1 - God
We believe in only one God, who exists in Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as Apostle St. Paul said in his epistle to the Ephesians, Chapter 2, verse 20, "Built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief  corner stone." And Christ said in Matthew, Chapter 28, verse 19, "Going therefore, teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Article 2 - Prayer
     Our praying consists of our prayers to Christ in prophetic and apostolic prayers, according to the order of God's son to his disciples, as it is written in Matthew 6:9, "Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name." Luke 11:2, "And he said to them: When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come." Ephesians 6:18, "By all prayer and supplication, praying at all times in the spirit ..." Luke 22:41, "...and kneeling down, he prayed." Apostle Paul, Acts 21:5, "And we kneeled down on the shore, and we prayed."  Daniel 6:10 "...he knelt down three times a day, and adored (prayed), and gave thanks before his God..." In John 4:23-24, our Saviour said to a woman from Samaria: "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true adorers (worshipers) shall adore (worship) the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father also seeketh such to adore [worship] him. God is a spirit; and they that adore [worship] him, must adore [worship] him in spirit and in truth." In the epistle of Jude 1:20 is written: "But you, my beloved, building yourselves upon your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost."
Article 3 - Church
     As a church we consider a congregation of people according to the testimony of Paul, the Apostle in his 2nd epistle, to Corinthians 6:16, "...For you are the temple of the living God. As God saith: I will dwell in them, and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Also Leviticus 26:12.) In the Acts 17:24, "...He, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Neither is he served with men's hands..." On the same subject is testified in the following: I Corinthians 14:26, "...When you come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done to edification." In I Peter 2-5, "Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."       In Ephesians 3:10, "That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church." Ephesians 5:27, "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." In Acts 20:7 and 11, "...Paul discoursed with them, being to depart on the morrow; and he continued his speech until midnight ... and having talked a long time to them, until daylight, so he departed." From St John in the Apocalypse (Revelations) 19:5, "And a voice came out from the throne saying: "give praise to our God, all ye his servants; and you that fear him, little [small] and great." In Hebrews 9:24, "For Jesus is not entered into the holies [holy places] made with hands..." Isaias [Isaiah] 66:1, "Thus saith the Lord: Heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool; what is this house that you will build to me, and what is this place of my rest?"
Article 4 - Placing a Sign of the Cross
     We do not place upon ourselves a visible sign of the cross, but we are indicating ourselves as promised by the Holy Ghost according to the testimony of the Holy Scripture, Wisdom 16:6, "...having a sign of salvation to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law. For he that turned to it was not heated by that which he saw, but by thee, the Savior of all," Isaiah 66:19,  "And I will set a sign among them, and I will send of them that shall be saved..." Acts 11:28, "And on of them named Agabus, rising up, signified by the Spirit..." Matthew 28:19, "Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." To the Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God: whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption."
Article 5 - Images of Saints
     The ikons [icons], the images of saints, made by human hands, we do not worship, according to the Holy Scripture. 4 Kings 17:41, "So these nations feared the Lord, but nevertheless served also their idols..." Psalm 113:4-5, "The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men. They have mouths and speak not; they have eyes and see not..." Psalm 134:15, "The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the works of men's hands." Wisdom 13:10, "...who have called gods the works of the hands of men, gold and silver..." In the same book of Wisdom 14:8-9, "But the idol that is made by hands, is cursed, as well it, as he that made it; he because he made it; and it because being frail it is called a god. But to God the wicked and his wickedness are hateful alike." See Isaias [Isaiah] 44:12-18, Jeremiah 2:27, "Saying to a stock: Thou art my father..." Apocalypse [(Revelation)] 9-20, "...that they should not adore [worship] devils and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and wood..."       Wisdom 14:27, "For the worship of abominable idols is the cause, ..." Apostle Paul has said to the Romans 1:22-23, "For professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of the image of a corruptible man..." According to the testimony of the Apostle Paul, Colossians 1:15, "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." Romans 8-29, "For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be made conformable to the image of his Son;..." I Peter 2:21, "For unto this are you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow his steps." Epistle of James 5:10, "Take, my brethren, for an example of suffering evil, of labor and patience..." To the Philippians 3:17, "Be ye followers of me, brethren, and observe them who walk so as you have our model." I Timothy 4:12, "...but be thou an example of the faithful in word, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in chastity." Titus 2:7-8, "In all things show thyself an example of good words, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity. The sound word that can not be blamed: that he, who is on the contrary part, may be afraid..." See Hebrews 1:3, II Thessalonians 3:9, "...but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us."
Article 6 - Bishops and Priests
     We have only one Priest and Bishop, who sits on the right side of God, i.e., the Son of God, the Head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23). Ephesians 1:20-22, "Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places, above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion ... and he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church." Psalm 2:7, "The Lord hath said to me: Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee." Psalm 109:4, "...Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech [Melchizedek]." Hebrews 5:10, "Called by God a high priest according to the order of Melchisedech [Melchizedek]." This one we call bishop and priest according to the word of the Holy Scripture, Hebrews 4:14-15, "Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest, who can not have compassion on our infirmities, but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin."      Hebrews 7:26, "For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices..." In the same book 8:1, "... We have such a high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens." The Apostles have imitated the Christ and have been purified by the Holy Ghost. Acts 20:28, "Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood," Ephesians 4:11, "And he gave some to be apostles, and some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, which in our religion appear in the image of man or old men according to the word of scripture by Jesus, the son of Sirach in Ecclesiasticus [Ecclesiastes] 37:15. "But be continually with a holy man, whomsoever thou shalt know to observe the fear of God." Jeremiah 5:1, "...if you can find a man that executeth judgment, and seeketh faith..." In Chapter 9, verse 12, "Who is the wise man, that my understand this, and to whom the word of the mouth of the Lord may come..." I Timothy 2:8, "I will therefore that men pray in every place..." I Peter 5:1-2, "The ancients therefore that are among you ... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly..."
Article 7 - Using the Ornates
     We have no ornates, because the Apostles had no special dress for divine services and Jesus Christ himself did not create such vestments. As the holy Apostles have wandered in plain clothes, so we are also praying in our regular garments. Concerning the use of ornates we take it for granted to be always clothed for salvation and always be dressed with truth according to Ephesians 6:19, "Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of justice." Ecclesiastes 9:8, "At all times let thy garments be white,  and let not oil depart from thy head." Isaiah 69:17, "...he put on the garments of vengeance, and was clad with zeal as with a cloak." And in 61:10, "...my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, and with the robe of justice..." Revelations 3:4-5, "...which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy. He that shall overcome, shall thus be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father..."
Article 8 - Sacrificial Offerings
     We offer a sacrifice in every place a sacrifice of praise as the fruit of our lips according to the testimony of the prophet, Malachias [Malachi] 1:11, "...and in every place there is sacrifice, and there is offered in my name a clean offering..." Hebrews 13:15-1 6, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise always to God, that is to say, the fruit of lips confessing to his name. And do not forget beneficence and neighborliness, for by such sacrifices God's favor is obtained." David in Psalm 5:17 says: "A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit, a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psalm 40:6, "Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire..." Psalm 60:14, "Offer to God the sacrifice of praise, and pay thy vows to the most High."       Of the same is said in the book of Prophet Daniel, 3:38-39, "Neither is there at this time prince, or leader or prophet, or holocaust, or sacrifice, or offering, or incense, or place of first-fruits before thee. That we may find thy mercy: nevertheless in a contrite heart and humble spirit let us be accepted." Prophet Isaiah 56:7, "...their holocausts, and their sacrifices shall please me upon my altar; for my house shall be called the house of prayer..." In 66:20 the Lord says: "...as if the children of Israel should bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord." Ephesians 5:2, "... as Christ also hath loved us, and hath delivered himself for us, and offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness." Hebrews 9:26, "...but now once at the end of ages, he hath appeared for the destruction of sin, by the sacrifice of himself."
     Such sacrifices we also imitate.
Article 9 - The Throne
     The Throne testifies a prudent man according to Lord's word as it is said in the books of Prophet Isaiah 16:5, "And a throne shall be prepared in mercy, and one shall sit upon it in truth..." Proverbs 12:23, "A cautious man concealeth knowledge..." Read Jeremias [Jeremiah] 14:21.      Ezechiel [Ezekiel] 43:7, "Said to me: Son of man, the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever..." Zecharias [Zechariah] 6:13, "... and shall sit, and rule upon his throne..." Proverbs 26:5, "...and His throne shall be established with justice." Jeremias [Jeremiah] 3:17, "At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord..." The Apocalypse 21:3, "... Behold the tabernacle of God with men, and he will dwell with them. And they shall be his people: and God himself with them shall be their God."
Article 10 - Censer and Incense
     Incense and Censer we regard in prayer according to the word of the Scripture, Psalms 14.2, "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight..." Ephesians 5:2, "... and a sacrifice to God for an odor of sweetness." The Apocalypse 8:3, "... and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints  upon the golden altar, which is before the throne of God." II Corinthians 2:14-15, "Now thanks be to God, who always maketh us to triumph in Christ Jesus, and manifesteth the odor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are the good odour of Christ unto God, in them that are saved, and in them that perish."
Article 11 - Vessels
     We consider as vessels on Divine Services the lips of the reasonables according to the word of the Scripture. Proverbs 20:15, "There is gold, and a multitude of jewels: but the lips of knowledge are a precious vessel." Psalms 71:22, "For I will also confess (praise) to thee thy truth with the instruments of psaltery..." Isaias [Isaiah] 52:11, "... be ye clean, you that carry the vessels of the Lord." Acts 9:15, "And the Lord said to him: Go thy way, for this man is to me a vessel of chosen to can my name before the Gentiles..." I Corinthians 10:16, "The chalice of benediction, which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?"
Article 12 - The Baptism
     With regard the baptism as a repentance and remission of sins according to the testimony of the Holy Scripture Mark 1:4, "John was in the desert baptizing and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins." And in 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned." Acts 13:23-24, "...hath raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus. John first preaching before his coming, the baptism of penance..."       Acts 22:16, "...Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, invoking his name." Romans 6:3, "Know you not that all we, who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized into his death?" I Corinthians 1:17, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel..." Verse 18, "For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness: but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God." Hebrews 6:2, "Of the doctrine of baptisms, and laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." Acts 1:5, "For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence." Luke 3:16, "John answered, saying unto all: I indeed baptize you with water; but there shall come one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose; He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire."
Article 13 - Naming of an Infant
     By giving names to infants we are acting in compliance with God's word. Luke 1:59, "... on the eight day they came to circumcise the child, and they called by his father's name Zachary. And his mother answering said: Not so, but he shall be called John." Exodus 2:22, "...whom he called Eliezer..."      So we also act regardless of what date the infant is born, his father and mother and relatives give the name to the newborn infant.
Article 14 - Anointment 
     The anointment testifies the oil of joy, according to God's word. Psalms 45:9, "...therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows." Habakkuk 3.13, "Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people; for salvation with thy Christ (thine anointed)..." Acts 4:27, "For of a truth there assembled together in this city against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed..." And in 10:38, "Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the Holy Ghost, and with power..." I St. John 2:20, "But you have the unction from the Holy One..." II Corinthians 1:21-22, "...and that hath anointed us, is God; Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts."
Article 15 - The Holy Communion[s]
     We regard the Holy Communion as a divine and blessed Sacrament according to the word of the Holy Scripture. Psalm 119:63, "I am a partaker [friend] with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments." Hebrews 6:4, "...have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, have moreover tasted the good word of God." Chapter 3, verse 1, "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly vocation..." Verse 14, "For we are made partakers of Christ..." 12:10, "...that we might receive his sanctification." Deuteronomy 8:3, "...not in bread alone doth man live, but in every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God." Proverbs 12:14, "By the fruit of his own mouth shall a man be filled with good things..."  Wisdom 16:26, "...not the growing of fruits that nourisheth men, but Thy word preserveth them that believe in Thee." Ecclesiasticus [Ecclesiastes] 15:3, "With the bread of life and understanding, she shall feed him, and give him the water of wholesome wisdom to drink..." John 6:27, "Labour not for the food which perisheth, but for that which endureth unto life everlasting, which the Son of man will give you..." Verse 64, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing..." Psalm 34:8, "O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet..." Psalm 118:50 [119:50], "...because thy word hath enlivened me." I Corinthians 10:17, "For we, being many, are one, one body, for we all that partake of one loaf." Verse 30, "If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I evil spoken of for that which is give thanks?"
Article 16 - Repentance
     As a repentance we testify the baptism to redeem our sins, according to the testimony of the Holy Scripture, Psalm 110:1 [111:1], "I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole hears; in the council of the just, and in the congregation." Psalm 118:62 [119:62], "I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; for the judgments of Thy justifications"  I  John 2:1, "...But if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the just; and he is the propitiation for our sins..." Hebrews 3:1, "... consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Jesus." James 5:16 "Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be saved..."
Article 17 - Marriage
     In matrimonial covenant we betroth in truth, grace, kindness and faith. God Himself hath said to man and wife, Genesis 1.28, "...Increase and multiply, and fill the earth..." Genesis 2:24, "Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be two in one flesh." Read Matthew 19:3-9. Ephesians 5:22 and Verse 24, "Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord... Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things." Verse 25, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the church..."      We betroth according to the book of Tobias Chapter 7:10-15, "I will not eat nor drink here this day, unless thou first grant me my petition, and promise to give me Sara, thy daughter ... that this maid might be married to one of her own kindred, according to the law of Moses ... And taking the right hand of his daughter, he gave it into the right hand of Tobias...." Paul the Apostle in I Corinthians 7:27, "Art thou bound to a Wife? Seek not to be loosed..."

     To the alliance in marriage the groom and the bride present themselves in the assembly of people and betroth themselves in faith, in truth, in benevolence and in grace forever, and between them is concluded the promise not to separate, but get old together. This is performed in the presence of fathers and mothers and witnesses. Then they perceive each other as man and wife.

Article 18 - Crowns
     We consider the crowns as a resistance to lust, and crown our life to preserve the truth and hope to obtain the crown, life, joy, hope, the diversity of sacrifices according to the Scripture. Ecclesiastes 1:11, where the crowns are called "crown of joy." In Verse 22, "crown of wisdom."  In 25:8, "Much experience is the crown of old men,..." Isaias [Isaiah] 28:5, "...the Lord of hosts shall be a crown of glory, and a garland of joy to the residue of his people [all who long for his appearing]." II Timothy 4:8, "...there is laid up for me a crown of justice..." Apocalypse 2:10, "...and I will give thee the crown of life."
Article 19 - Affusion and Purification Cleansing  (Changed about 2000 by Los Angeles Dukh-i-zhizniki)
     Under Affusion [Cleansing] and Purification we understand not the material ones, but we endeavor to clean ourselves from every blot of body and spirit. Through the Purification of heart from cunning conscience, as it is said in the Scripture: Hebrews 10:22, "Let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience..." II Corinthians 7:1, "...let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting sanctification in the fear of God." Isaias [Isaiah] 45:8, "Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just; let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior; and let justice spring up together..."  Isaias [Isaiah] 4:4, "...Lord shall wash away the filth of the daughters of Sion [Zion], and shall wash away the blood of Jerusalem out of the midst thereof, by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning." Jeremias [Jeremiah]  4:14, "Wash thy heart from wickedness, O Jerusalem, that thou mayst be saved..." 6:16, "...and see, and ask for the old paths, which is the good way, and walk ye in it; and you shall find refreshment for your souls..." I Corinthians 6:11, "...but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of our God." Ephesians 5:26, "That he might sanctity it, cleansing it by the washing of water in the word of life."
Article 20 - Fasting
     We keep the Fast according to the example of Jesus Christ, the Prophets and the Apostles. Prophet Daniel 10:2-3, "In those days I Daniel mourned for three weeks. I ate no desirable bread, and neither flesh, nor wine entered into my mouth, neither was I anointed with ointment, till the days of three weeks were accomplished." In the 3 [3rd] Book of Esdras is said, that Esdras has kept on fasting for seven days. David has also been fasting, as we can see in Psalm 109:24 where he says: "My knees are weakened through fasting; and my flesh is changed for oil (faileth of fatness) [body is thin and gaunt]."

     The Prophet Joel 2:12, "Now therefore saith The Lord, be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting..." Zechadah 8:19, "Thus saith The Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth..." Such Fasts we also approve and submit ourselves to Fast, according to our possibility [strength], for four and five days, and even a week, we do not take bread and water, but the blessed food, we eat any time according to the testimony of the Holy Scripture: Leviticus 11:3, "Whatsoever hath the hoof divided, and cheweth the cud among the beasts, you shall eat."

I Timothy 4:3-5, "...to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving by the faithful, and by them that have known the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be rejected that is received with thanksgiving; For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

     We do not observe any other Fasts, and Fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays we do not accept at all. We honor more Spiritual Fasts according to the words of Scripture: Isaias [Isaiah] 58:3-9, "Why have we fasted, and thou hast not regarded: have we humbled our souls, and thou hast not taken notice? Behold in the day of your fast your own will is found, and you exact of all your debtors ... Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? Loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free and break asunder every burden. Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into [the shelter of] thy house; when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, ...and thy justice shall go before thy face, and the glory of the Lord shall gather thee up."

Article 21 - Funerals of the Dead
     Over the deceased, after the departure of the soul from the body, we have vigil in prayers and the singing of Psalms of King David and on burial we accompany the body of the dead, weeping and singing of psalms to the very grave, after the word of the Scripture: Psalms 145 [146], "Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise the Lord: I will sing to my God as long as I shall be." Psalms 23:1 [24:1], "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof: the world,  and all they that dwell therein." Psalm 83:4 [84:3], "My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord..." Acts 8:2, "And devout men took order for Stephen's funeral [buried Stephen], and made great mourning over him." Ecclesiasticus [Ecclesiastes] 38:16, "My son, shed tears over the dead..." "Verse 17, "...Weep bitterly ... and make mourning for him according to her merit..." Verse 24, "When the dead is at rest, let his remembrance rest, and comfort him in the departing of his spirit."
Article 22 - Resurrection of the Dead
     We believe in life beyond the grave and after the death we hope to resurrect in another body according to the testimony of the Scripture: II Corinthians 5:l, "For we know, if our earthly house of this habitation be dissolved, that we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven." I Corinthians 15:50-52, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God: neither shall corruption possess (inherit) incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall indeed rise again [not all sleep but we shall all be changed] ... In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall rise again incorruptible: and we shall be changed." Zecharias [Zechariah] 14:12, "...the flesh of every one shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth." Mark 12:26, Jesus said: "And as concerning the dead that they rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke to him, saying: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living,.." John 5:28-30, "...for the hour cometh, wherein all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And they that have one good things, shall come forth unto the resurrection of life; but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment." The Apocalypse 20:12, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing in the presence of the throne..." 21:1, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth..." 3d and 4th Verse, "...Behold the tabernacle of God with men, and He will dwell with them...And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more..."
Article 23 - Commemoration of the Dead
     We perform memorials for the dead and pray that their sins will be forgiven, an example of what we see in God's word. Judah Machabee has offered a sacrifice for the dead. 2 Book Machabee 12:43, "...he sent twelve thousand  drachmas of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins..." (Read also verse 44.) Baruch 3:4-5, "O Lord Almighty, the God of Israel ... Remember not the iniquities of our fathers, but think upon thy hand, and upon thy name at this time."
Article 24 - Seventh Day
     The Seventh Day we honor according to the testimony of the Scripture: Leviticus 23:3, "...the seventh day, because it is the rest of the sabath [a Sabbath of rest and], shall be called holy. You shall do no work on that day..." Sophonias [Zephaniah] 3:8, "Wherefore expect me, saith the Lord, in the day of my resurrection that is to come..." Mark 16:9, "But he rising early the first day of the week..."      This day we devote to prayers and good deeds, according to the word of the Scripture. Colossians 3:16, "...teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles [words]..." (Read also Ephesians 5:19.) James 1:22, "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only..."
Article 25 - Kings and Authorities
     We honor the kings and authorities according to the testimony of God's word. Proverbs 8:15-16, "By me kings reign, and lawgivers decree just things, by me princes rule, and the mighty decree justice." Romans 13:1-2, "Let every soul be subject to higher powers; for there is no power but from God, and those that are, are ordained of God.  Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God..." I Peter 2:17, "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." I Timothy 2:1-2, "I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men: For kings, and for all that are in high stations (authority)..."
Article 26 - Do Not Judge         (Added about 2000 by Dukh-i-zhizniki)
     The prophets of old depict Christ as the ultimate judge, Psalms 89:14, 97-2, Isaiah 11:1-5, of God's law. Christ pronounced devastating judgements against false leaders, John 7:24. Yet He refused to become a judge in matters affecting man's material possessions, Luke 12:13-14. Jesus clearly states that we are not to judge.  To pass judgement implies a sense of moral superiority that we simply do not possess. What we are not to do in judging is to criticize others while passing over our own faults. James 4:11-12. Hence, we as Christian Molokans,* cannot serve on a jury.

* The only place "Molokan" appears, but these are Dukh-i-zhiznik Dogma
Article 27 - Oath
     We understand the Oath by testimony of Matthew 5:34-37, where is said, "But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven ... nor by the earth ... neither shalt thou swear by thy head  ...  but let your speech be yea, yea; no, no; and that which is over and above these, is of evil." The Apostle James in his Epistle 5:12, says, "... But let your speech be yea; yea, no, no;..." 
     For this reason we always preserve faithfulness.
Article 28 - Our Sect  Faith  (Changed about 2003 by Los Angeles Dukh-i-zhizniki)
     In our sect [Faith] exists the confirmation [affirmation] to all multitude of people, that lewdness, adultery, drunkenness, murder, robbery and all other sinful deeds, we destroy [reject] and who of our fellow-believers does not obey, is ousted from our congregation according to the testimony of Apostle Paul I Epistle, Corinthians 5:11, "But now I have written to you, not to keep company, if any man that is named brother, be a fornicator, or covetous, or a server of idols, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner: with such a one, do not so much as to eat." This is always corroborated in our congregation, that the duty of christianity is not to nurse any evil feelings against your next one [one another]. We are endeavoring [endeavor] to eliminate all quarrel[s] and discord from the congregation and reconciliate with one another before sunset, because the malice of a man is an old and deep rooted wrath.      And if a man not reconciles [does not reconcile] soon with his malice [brother], so it is converted into a sin, according to the testimony of the Holy Scripture, where it is said in Ephesians 4:26-27, "...Let not the sun go down upon your anger. Give not place to the devil." He who keeps malice and wrath against his next one [brother], so the devil (i.e. the spirit of malice) has conquered and leads him as his prisoner. The malice is born by [of] the envy, as Cain for envy's sake has killed his brother Abel. We are endeavoring with all our power not to admit such things in our sect [Faith]. And to begin before praying our principal (the Presbyter) reminds the congregation, as it is written: Matthew 5:23-24, "If therefore thou [you] offer thy [your] gift at the after, and there thou remember that thy [your] brother hath something against thee [you], leave there thy [your] offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy [your] brother, and then coming [come and] thou shalt offer thy [your] gift.
Article 29 - Thou Shalt Not Kill                (Added about 2003 by Los Angeles Dukh-i-zhizniki)
The Sixth Commandment, Exodus 20:13, is one of the cornerstones of our Faith. In the Book of Genesis it is said: Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood will be shed: For in the image of God He made man. Genesis 9:6.  For this reason every murder, which ever one it might be, and however it may have occurred is a sin against The Lord God. No murderer has eternal life, I John 3:15. Also, Jesus said, "All that draw the sword, shall die by the sword." Matthew 26:52.

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2003