In the remote mountain villages of Gorelovka and Orlovka in Georgia, a small community of Doukhobors, descendants of a pacifist Christian sect, continues to practice their centuries-old traditions. The Doukhobors reject the Orthodox church and military service, leading to their banishment from Russia in the 19th century. Today, only about 100 Doukhobors remain in the community, maintaining their nonviolent beliefs and unique form of worship without priests or church rituals.
The Doukhobors in Georgia trace their roots back to a group of 5,000 exiles who established villages near the Ottoman Empire border, where they preached nonviolence and worshiped without weapons. Despite facing persecution for their refusal to serve in the Russian army, the Doukhobors survived and eventually caught the attention of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, who helped some immigrate to Canada. Throughout their history, the Doukhobors maintained their traditions and prayers, even during times of Soviet crackdowns on religious activities.
Despite the challenges of living in the remote mountain villages of Georgia, the Doukhobors continue to practice their way of life, which includes farming, producing dairy products, and preserving their cultural heritage. However, with a shrinking community and tensions with neighboring ethnic groups, some Doukhobors consider relocating to Russia, where many had previously returned in the late 1980s. The younger generations face the temptation of assimilating into mainstream Russian society, leading to concerns about the preservation of Doukhobor culture.
The Doukhobors’ customs and rituals are passed down through generations, with younger members like Daria Strukova feeling the urgency to learn and preserve their unique culture. While some Doukhobors in Russia have started to assimilate and abandon their traditions, there are still those who remain dedicated to their faith and pacifist principles. The Doukhobors in Georgia, like 10-year-old Ilya Strukov, find comfort and strength in their ancestors’ legacy and the sacred places where they worship.
As the Doukhobor community faces challenges and changes in modern times, there is a concern about the potential loss of their culture and traditions. While some have already assimilated into mainstream society, others remain committed to preserving their Doukhobor faith and way of life. Despite the uncertainties about the future of the community, the Doukhobors in Georgia continue to gather for prayers, maintain their traditions, and uphold the legacy of their ancestors who sought to live by nonviolent principles.
