Establishment of Orthodox Palestine Society and Activities of M.P. Stepanov (1881-1883)

This article explores the involvement of Colonel General Mikhail Petrovich Stepanov, an officer of the General Staff, in the formation of the Orthodox Palestine Society under Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. Stepanov emerged as a pivotal leader during the first 35 years of the organization’s existence. Drawing on both published sources and archival documents from the Russian Empire’s Foreign Policy Archive (Moscow), the Russian State Military Historical Archive (Moscow), and the Manuscript Department of the Russian National Library (St. Petersburg), this study highlights Stepanov’s role in the establishment and initial activities of the Palestine Society. The article examines the circumstances surrounding Stepanov’s appointment to serve under the Grand Duke and the specifics of his official duties. Particular attention is given to Stepanov’s participation in the Grand Duke’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1881, his interactions with Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, and the preparatory processes leading to the founding of the Palestine Society in 1882. Additionally, the article discusses the reasons and circumstances behind Stepanov’s appointment as secretary of the Society within the context of organizational staffing policies that sought to balance various forces, factions, and influences.

Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, IOPS, Mikhail Stepanov, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich, Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), Holy Land, Jerusalem