From Russian TV we have a series of 20 dramatic historical shows from the year 2011. This is really an epic presentation of the Raskol (Раскол) or in English “Rift” which has a total runtime of 960 minutes. It is about the reformer Nikon and Czar Aleksij Michailovich, his son Fyodor, the Morozov brothers, and the ardent opponents led by Protopope Habakkuk with many others including Boyarina Feodosia Morozova. Even though it has no subtitles and is not in English, English speakers can glean a lot by viewing, if they are careful. Those who are interested in this topic will find it the best film production about the Rift, many of the details are very realistic. However, some scenes are not historically accurate and should be removed. Still, the videos do capture a weighty and little-known period of Russian history, the split of Russian Orthodox Church in the XVII century, specifically covering the period from 1644 thru 1684. It was filmed in the great Russian medieval town of Rostov. Here is a link to the videos.
Below is a painting showing the
burning of Protopope Habakkuk.
