The Russian government in the 17th and 18th centuries used religious norms as a disciplinary tool, appealing to the moral qualities of its personnel. For deviations from the faith, non-compliance with the foundations of piety, fines and other punishments were imposed, including church ones. The following distinctive features of the state personnel sphere have been established: the obligation and control of confession, observance of the Orthodox fast, and the performance of duties in accordance with an oath, which is in the nature of a prayerful promise.