This book is a critical study of the interaction between Russian Church and society in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. At a time of rising nationalist movement throughout Europe, Orthodox patriots advocated for the place of the Church as a unifying force, central to the identity and purpose of the burgeoning, yet increasingly religiously diverse Russian Empire. Their views were articulated in a variety of ways. Bishops such as Metropolitan Antony Khrapovitsky - a founding hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia - and other members of the clergy expressed their vision of Russia through official publications (including ecclesiastical journals), sermons, the organization of pilgrimages and the canonization of saints. On the other hand, religious intellectuals (such as the famous philosopher Vladimir Soloviev and the controversial former-Marxist Sergey Bulgakov) promoted what was often a variant vision of the nation through the publication of books and articles. Even the once persecuted Old Believers, emboldened by a religious toleration edict of 1905, sought to claim a role in national leadership. And many - in particularly famous painter Mikhail Vasnetsov - looked to art and architecture as a way of defining the religious ideals of modern Russia. Whilst other studies exist that draw attention to the voices in the Church typified as "liberal" in the years leading up to the Revolution, this work introduces the reader to a wide range of "conservative" opinion that equally strove for spiritual renewal and the spread of the Gospel. Ultimately neither the "conservative" voices presented here nor those of their better-known "liberal" protagonists were able to prevent the calamity that befell Russia with the Bolshevik revolution in 1917. Grounded in original research conducted in the newly accessible libraries and archives of post-Soviet Russia, this study is intended to reveal the wider relevance of its topic to an ongoing discussion of the relationship between national or ethnic identities on the one hand and the self-understanding of Orthodox Christianity as a universal and transformative Faith on the other.

John Strickland has been fascinated by restraints, bike gear and straitjackets for many years. With first hand experience of all these (plus lots more), his stories offer a level of detail rarely seen. Coupled with one of the best imaginations around, his stories take the reader on a unique journey. Keagan's in Trouble Again is the latest in the line of books that feautre Stefan, Zac and Keagan. This time aound it's Keagan who takes centre stage and lands himself in trouble . . . . again !

John Strickland has been fascinated by restraints, bike gear and straitjackets for many years. With first hand experience of all these (plus lots more), his stories offer a level of detail rarely seen. Coupled with one of the best imaginations around, his stories take the reader on a unique journey. No Escape is the latest in the line of books that feature Stefa and Zac. This time it's the new advertising campaign that sees the boys not only enjoying themselves but also getting into problems as they go on location for the photo shoot.

When your nephew asks you a favour, you can't say no can you? When he needs help with his college project, you have to help, don't you? It would mean trying to get him past security in the maximum security prison. Working there means I know all the ins and outs. It could be done. Then he wants to see the straitjackets and the cells we look after the more physical inmates. I guess I could help him. Yeah, it's possible. What could possibly go wrong. John Strickland has been fascinated by restraints, bike gear and straitjackets for many years. With first hand experience of all these (plus lots more), his stories offer a level of detail rarely seen. Coupled with one of the best imaginations around, his stories take the reader on a unique journey.

John Strickland has been fascinated by restraints, bike gear and straitjackets for many years. With first hand experience of all these (plus lots more), his stories offer a level of detail rarely seen. Coupled with one of the best imaginations around, his stories take the reader on a unique journey. Keagan goes Shopping is another installment in the tale of Zac and Stefan and their love of straitjackets. In this latest story, Keagan turns up at the cabin and ends up in a straitjacket. Will his taped agreement to remain in the jacket until he either escapes or is let free by someone other than Zac or Stefan work out for him? When Zac and Stefan decide to take him out one day things take a twist. Read the full story and find out what waits in store for the three of them.

John Strickland has been fascinated by restraints, bike gear and straitjackets for many years. With first hand experience of all these (plus lots more), his stories offer a level of detail rarely seen. Coupled with one of the best imaginations around, his stories take the reader on a unique journey. It's Pouring Down in Oregon is the fourth book in the great series which follows Zac and Stefan who are still finding it hard to stay out of trouble. This time the two of them find themselves in lots of trouble, not to mention various straitjackets, as a revenge plot is hatched against them.

A Weekend in the Life of a Motorcycle Messenger is a story of one biker's journey into the world of straitjackets and leather bondage. The author, John Strikland is the master of straitjacket stories, with incredible details in the story and the processes of straitjacketing somebody. For those who know their straitjacket stories, this represents one of the best stories in its genre.

John Strickland has been fascinated by restraints, bike gear and straitjackets for many years. With first hand experience of all these (plus lots more), his stories offer a level of detail rarely seen. Coupled with one of the best imaginations around, his stories take the reader on a unique journey. Locked in Leather is part of the Motorcycle Messenger series by John Strickland. In this story, Sam sets out to spend 24 hours locked head to foot in leather and it's up to Chris to make sure he goes through with it. Will he manage the full 24 hours?

Rainy Days in Oregon is a love story between two young guys who share a unique passion for bondage and especially straitjackets. Zac is a budding escapologist but also loves to see his blonde haired, blue eyed boyfriend, Stefan all bound up. Follow their adventures as they get themselves into many challenging situations as well as many different straitjackets. If you love your straitjacket stories then they don't come much better or more detailed than this.

Further Adventures in the Life of a Motorcycle Messenger is the follow up story to 'Weekend in the Life of a Motorcycle Messenger'. The story follows Sam and Chris as they continue to explore their love of bondage. In this story, Sam faces a long day working in the rain. He has his own way to enjoy the day, but so does Chris when Sam returns home.

PVC Package is the third installment in the Motorcycle Messenger series by John Strickland. In this story, Sam is out to introduce a young guy to his range of amazing PVC wet weather gear he wears on his job. The young guy does not want to stop there and the interest turns to Sam's collection of straitjackets.

It's Raining Again in Oregon is the second installment in the series of books from John Strickland featuring Zac and Stefan and their love of all things straitjackets and PCV. This second book continues their ability of getting into more and more challenging situations whilst detailing the wonderful array of straitjackets, leather and PVC clothing and different bondage situations. Another great story from the master of straitjacket detail, John Strickland.

Zac's 21st is another in the series of stories featuring Zac and Stefan and their love of all things straitjackets, bondage and shiny clothing. If you have read Rainy Days in Oregon or It's Raining Again in Oregon then this is a must read a the boys adventures continue. Another great story from the master of straitjacket detail, John Strickland.