Measures of the Russian authorities to spread Christianity among the Ossetian population in the 18th century

Abstract

The article considers the efforts of the Russian authorities to spread Christianity in the North Caucasus in the 18th century. The historical circumstances that actualized the missionary steps of the empire in the region are shown. An assessment is given of the difficulties that local pastors had to face: in conditions of political instability, they could lose their lives and property for their activities. The reasons for the loss of positions among the peoples of the region by Christianity are clarified and the steps of the authorities aimed at restoring the position of the church among the descendants of those people who once professed the Christian faith are analyzed. Evidence is given that at first the main burden fell on the shoulders of the Georgian clergy. The level of training of missionaries and the influence of this factor on the effectiveness of the conversion of local residents to Orthodoxy are shown. It has been established that plans to spread literacy among the highlanders were of particular importance: for this purpose, the Ossetian alphabet was developed, with the help of which it was possible to translate theological texts and make them understandable to the highlanders. The significance of Mozdok as one of the main missionary centers in the region is revealed. Attention is paid to the role of shrines, which were revered by believers and endowed with miraculous properties. The attitude of secular authorities to the efforts of Christian missionaries is demonstrated.