The majority of the people did not perhaps share this notion, but they believed that the sufferings with which they had been visited were a Divine punishment for having forsaken the ancient customs.

And it could not be denied that considerable changes had taken place.

Orthodox Russia was now tainted with the presence of heretics.

Foreigners who shaved their chins and smoked the accursed weed had been allowed to settle in Moscow, and the Tsars not only held converse with them, but had even adopted some of their "pagan" practises.

Besides this, the Government had introduced innovations and reforms, many of which were displeasing to the people.