In the tiny village of Gorelovka in Georgia, a 10-year-old boy named Ilya experiences his first night prayer meeting with his father. The setting is filled with elderly women dressed in traditional costumes, chanting hymns passed down for generations. The Doukhobors, a pacifist Christian sect that emerged in 18th century Russia, have maintained their rituals and beliefs without priests or icons in this remote community.
The Doukhobors’ ancestors faced expulsion from the Russian Empire for their refusal to conform to the Orthodox church and military service. This historical resistance to violence and oppression has defined their culture, with a focus on nonviolence as a cornerstone of their beliefs. Despite facing challenges and dwindling numbers, the Doukhobors in Gorelovka hold on to their traditions and faith through prayer and communal gatherings.
Yulia Mokshina, a professor studying the Doukhobors, emphasizes their commitment to standing up for truth through nonviolence. The community’s history includes interactions with notable figures like Leo Tolstoy, who supported their relocation to Canada to escape persecution. Despite facing persecution and hardships, the Doukhobors have persisted in practicing their beliefs and maintaining their unique culture and traditions.
In contemporary times, the Doukhobor community in Georgia is dwindling, with many members leaving for various reasons including economic challenges and cultural assimilation. Younger generations like Daria Strukova express a desire to preserve their heritage and learn from the elders, recognizing the importance of passing down their traditions to future generations. The bond between land, heritage, and faith keeps many like Strukova connected to the Doukhobor way of life.
As the Doukhobor community faces the risk of disappearing in certain regions, there is a recognition of the enduring faith and principles that have sustained them through generations. The Doukhobors in Canada, whose ancestors resettled there, emphasize the timeless values of their faith over physical locations. Despite the challenges and changes, the spirit of the Doukhobor faith continues to endure in pockets of communities around the world, rooted in a history of resilience and pacifism.
