born May 21, 1827, Moscow, Russia
died March 23, 1907, St. Petersburg
Russian government administrator.
He wrote and lectured on civil law at Moscow University (1859–65), tutored the sons of Tsar Alexander II , and later became a close adviser to Alexander III , influencing him to adopt reactionary policies. As director general of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox church (1880–1905), he assumed great power over domestic policy in education, religion, and censorship. Nicknamed "the Grand Inquisitor," he became the symbol of Russian monarchical absolutism.