Khlysts

thumb|right|Ecstatic ritual of Khlysts ("radeniye") The Khlysts or Khlysty (, "whips") were an underground Spiritual Christian sect which emerged in Russia in the 17th century.

The sect is traditionally said to have been founded in 1645 by , although there is no written evidence to support this claim. The beliefs and practices of its members included ecstatic rituals, worship of charismatic leaders, and a rejection of the priesthood and holy books. They believed in direct communication with the Holy Spirit and practiced the ritual of ("rejoicing"), which was characterized by dancing, speaking in tongues, and prophesying.