THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

and hypocritical Frederick William II (since 1786) demonstrated a particular ill-will toward the Mennonites, the consequence of which was the emigration, uneven, it is true, but continuing on into the present, to America, Russian-Poland and especially Russia (since 1788 and with interruptions into the ’70s of the 19th century), to the extent that the Mennonites in West and East Prussia today number about ten thousand souls, less than in 1800. Conditions once again improved for the Prussian Mennonites under King Frederick William III who came under the influence of the Tsar Alexander I. Since the 70s of the 19th century all the German Mennonites owe military service, but in such a manner, that if they are descendants of all-Mennonite families, they may hold non-combative posts in the army: army medical service, secretaries, army service corps, etc.; at least this is the case for the majority, that is for all those living in the Prussian state. Nor were they accorded the privileges granted to them so lavishly in Russia anywhere in Germany, over an extended period of time. Even America (Canada and the United States) was much friendlier to them than Germany. 4. Teachings and Church Life of the Prussian Mennonites a) These have been brought to Russia in the form of the two generally known confessions, the “Frisian” and the “Flemish,” to be found in the “Explanation” to the “Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith” of 1900/1902. Their constitution as well as church organization has been totally transplanted to Russia. An “elder,” ordained by the laying on of hands, 30 who fulfills all the functions of a bishop, stands at the head of the congregation: he preaches, has the cure of souls, exercises discipline and leadership, baptizes, dispenses the Lord’s Supper, and consecrates, i.e., commissions the elected elders, teachers and deacons. He is assisted by a larger or smaller group of “teachers” and “preachers,” assistants to the elders, and one or more deacons or overseers of the poor in accordance with the need and potential of the congregation. The ministers (teachers), who, according to Flemish church practice, are commissioned only with a solemn handshake, Prussia 51 prayer, admonition, and benediction from the elder, as well as a handshake and benediction from all the other teachers, but receive no laying on of hands, 31 participate in all the congregational activities of the elder, preach, marry and bury, preside in the absence of the elder at his and the congregation’s express charge, but do not conduct baptismal or communion services except in cases of necessity, and then only for that occasion and with special permission from the congregation. The deacon serves at baptismal and communion services, oversees the church property, the care of the poor and all other charitable activities of the congregation. All of these together constitute the “teaching service” (Lehrdienst), “church council” or e