NIKITA PUSTOSVJAT. - Russian Raskolnik, died in Moscow on 12 July 1682. His full name was N. Konstantino Dobrynin.
In the controversy provoked by the reforms of Patriarch Nikon, N., of a combative temperament, placed himself at the head of the opponents and published a supplication to Emperor Alessio Mihailovic refuting Nikon’s Scrižal; the supplication was refuted first by the Archbishop of Gaza, Paisi Ligarides, and then by Simeone of Polok, in his book Žež pravlennija (“The Rod of Direction”). At the Synod of Moscow of 1666-67, N. was condemned, but he submitted to penance, obtained pardon, and withdrew to the monastery of Ugra in the government of Smolensk. After 15 years he reappeared in Moscow, leading the delegation of Starovieri that went to the Kremlin before the regent Sofia. N. paid for his boldness with his life.
With regard to doctrine, in his pamphlet against Nikon and against the innovations imported from Byzantium, N. upholds the ancient opinions of the Muscovites, agreeing with Catholics on many points, notably on the Immaculate Conception of Maria and on the form of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.