Orthodox Identity at Russian Holy Places

Abstract

The author examines the redefinition of Orthodox Christian identity that occurred in a Russian monastery town in the early 20th century, during a period of rapid modernization. Religion has historically played a major role in Russian life & national identity, particularly after the emancipation of the serfs in 1861. The article reviews the central traditions & history of Orthodox Christianity, & the popular significance of shrines, miracles, & the canonization of saints. When the shrine of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk was officially endorsed as a symbol of modern Russia, it became the destination of many peasant pilgrims & the source of Russian national identity for their families. Even when some holy places were exposed as fraudulent (& eventually replaced by national shrines), people clung to their faith & participated in the modern nation. J. R. Callahan