The problem of identification of religious sects in the Ukrainian province (on the example of the village of Komisarivka, Katerynoslav province)

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to highlight the history of the emergence and spread of a religious sect in the village of Komisarivka of the Upper Dnipro district of the Katerynoslav province and to try to establish its religious affiliation based on characteristic features. Research methodology. The methodological basis of the article is formed by the principles of historicism and objectivity, implemented by using several methods: general logical (analysis and synthesis), as well as classification, comparative, and periodization methods. Scientific novelty. For the first time in domestic historiography, the microhistory of a separate religious community that arose in a rural province in the south of Ukraine at the end of the 19th century became the subject of a special scientific study. On the basis of missionary reports and reports of secular publicists, the role of the founders of the sect was considered, the circle of connections with related organizations was analyzed as well as peculiarities of the behavior of its members. Conclusions. It was found out that the first preachers brought new teachings to their native Komisarivka from the Kherson province or from the North Caucasus region. The sect they created was very similar in character to the Khlysts sect. Its initial history is closely related to Stundism, however, certain features of the ceremonies strongly resembled the Khlysts’ ones. The sectarian community in the village of Komisarivka was an interesting symbiosis of Protestantism with popular mysticism, which was quite common among religious dissidents of the Katerynoslav province. However, this community was not part of any more extensive community and throughout its existence remained a completely autonomous unit. The attitude of dignitaries of the Russian Orthodox Church and representatives of secular authorities towards the new religious organization was extremely negative. Various means of pressure were used against the sectarians. Despite this, the informal religious group in the village of Komisarivka for a long time remained one of the largest in the Upper Dnipro district. Key words: Katerynoslav province, Komisarivka, late 19th century, interfaith relations,