Abstract (English):
The subject of historical and cultural research in this monograph was the Institute of ancient servants of pagan cult, including both professional priests (Magi, sorcerers and magicians) and wandering buffoons (musicians, storytellers, guides bears, demons). In the first part of the study identified the main function of ancient Ministers of pagan cults, identified key priestly clans, identified the hierarchical structure of the East Slavic priests, its Charter and the basic sources of financing of the ancient pagan temples and their Ministers. The second part is devoted to the place and role of the old Russian Ministers of pagan cult in the religious and political life of the Eastern Slavs of the IX-XI centuries. It is designed for teachers of higher educational institutions, school teachers, students and all those interested in national history and culture.