Ο Paul I (Paul I, 1754-1801), son of Catherine the Great and Peter III the Great, was Tsar of Russia from 1796 to 1801. His reign was marked by ambition to reform the empire and reduce the influence of the aristocracy, as well as a particular emphasis on military and administrative changes. During his reign, he introduced a system of succession that strengthened dynastic continuity and limited the possibility of changes of power by non-hereditary factors.

As far as his Masonic status is concerned, Paul I was a Freemason. He supported the ideas of Freemasonry, but his personal beliefs were more focused on maintaining imperial power than on spreading the ideals of the Masonic Brotherhood.

During his reign, Paul I showed interest in organizations that were in harmony with the principles of Freemasonry, such as the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights of Malta). In 1798, he was proclaimed Grand Master of the Order of Malta.

Paul I actively supported the Order, despite the fact that the Orthodox Church did not officially recognize the title.

His policies and his relationships with key figures at his court indicate that he was sympathetic to Masonic ideals, especially those of moral and spiritual improvement.

Freemasonry was active in Russia during the time of Paul I, and many nobles were Freemasons. His predecessor, Catherine the Great, had a cautious attitude towards the Brotherhood, and this climate may have influenced Paul I’s fervent association with Freemasonry.

His reign ended violently in 1801, when he was assassinated in a conspiracy of the aristocracy, leaving the empire to his son, Alexander I.