However, Russian economic history of the late 19th and early 20th centuries reveals the Old-Believer merchant families as more flexible and more open to innovations while creating factories and starting the first Russian industries.
==Similarities between Old Believers and Oriental Orthodox Christians==
''(These are not true with all Christian Churches)''
Although [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] and the rest of Christendom (Eastern Orthodox Churches and the [[Roman Catholic Church]]) separated in 451 AD following the [[Fourth Ecumenical Council|Council of Chalcedon]], striking similarities can be found today between the Old Believers Russian Orthodox Christians and the Oriental Orthodox Christians, such as the [[Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria|Copts]], the [[Armenian Apostolic Church|Armenians]], the [[Syriac Orthodox Church|Syriacs]], the [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Ethiopians]], and the [[Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church|Eritreans]].
This similarity can be attributed to the fact that both groups are much stricter than any other Christian denomination in resisting even the slightest changes to their liturgy, practices or Orthodox faith as it has been handed down to them by the fathers of the early Church in the first 4 centuries of Christianity.
Some of the most notable similarities between the Old Believers and the Oriental Orthodox Christians include the following:
* Both adhere strictly to the practice of baptism by three full immersions, and reject the validity of baptism by sprinkling or pouring of water.
* Both reject any changes or emendations of liturgical or religious texts.
* Both employ monodic singing, as opposed to the polyphonic singing of most other Christian denominations.
* Both reject the use of modern realistic iconography, and adhere to the veneration of traditional icons.
* Both groups practice bows and prostrations during liturgical services, and do not kneel during prayer.
* The liturgical services of both the Old Believers and the Oriental Orthodox are considerably longer than those of other Christian denominations. These services can last for as long as eight hours on feast days.
* Preparation for communion is very strict for both groups and lasts for days prior to receiving the sacrament.
==Old Believer churches==