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The February revolution of 1917 altered conditions greatly as the overthrow of the autocratic government freed the Church to convoke a national council. Almost immediately the issues were discussed in the religious journals, and diocesan Congresses and assemblies convened to discuss issues, consider reforms, and elect delegates to the All-Russian Church Council. In May and June 1917, the All-Russian Congress of Church School Leaders was followed by the All-Russian Congress of [[Clergy]] and [[Laity]]. These forums explored the issues, aired differences, and, particularly in the Congress of Clergy and Laity, served as a preparatory commission that discussed reforming the Church on principles of sobornost.
A reconstituted [[Apostolic Governing Synod|Holy Synod ]] established the Preconciliar Committee on [[April 29]], 1917. The Committee formulated the rules for selecting the delegates to the All-Russian Council and established the working sections to prepare material for Council decision. These sections prepared instructions for the members and prepared materials on administration of the central church, on administration of [[diocese]]s, on ecclesiastical justice, [[parish]]es, issues concerning [[dogma]] and liturgical practices, church finances, church-state relations, [[monasticism]], and church educational institutions.
During these months and with the added use of the materials from the earlier Preconciliar Commissions of 1906-1907 and 1912-1916, an agenda, regulations, and materials for the council were completed. Even under the uncertain times of the Provisional Government the '''All Russian Local Council''' convened on [[August 15]], 1917, the date that had been established by the Holy Synod on [[July 5]],1917.
