What class did the clergy belong to?

The clergy was a separate class, considered privileged in Russia, and were exempted from duties. This was due to the fact that the clergy were obliged to serve in the church all their lives, and the church was an instrument of influence on the population. With the help of church officials, the authorities carried out propaganda among the population, instilled that the ruler was chosen by God, his orders must be carried out, they are correct. This is how the autocracy was reinforced.