Bezpopovtsy

Bespopovtsy (Russian: Безпоповцы, "priestless") is one of the two major strains of Old Believers, the one that rejects priests and a number of church rites, such as the Eucharist. The reasoning behind this is a belief that any priest or hierarch who has used the Nikonians Rites has forfeited Apostolic Succession.

There are several confessions of them: Pomortsy, Fedoseyans, Filippians, Beguny ("Runners"), Netovtsy/Netovshchina, and many others.

Bespopovtsy are Old Believers that reject Nikonians priests, however, they still believe in the existence of a Priesthood; but happen to find themselves without priests. Historically the Bespopovtsy have received Nikonian priests that have publicly repented from the reforms of Patriach Nikon.

See also

• Popovtsy, another major strain of Old Believers, the ones who accept priests.