Activities of Orthodox missionaries in the Ob North in the 17th-18th centuries.

Abstract

The article deals with the peculiarities of the process of Christianization of indigenous peoples of the Ob North, which was an important element of the Russian state's colonial policy in Western Siberia. The study focuses on the analysis of the main reasons for the interest of state authorities in the baptism of Siberian aborigines in these territories, who had formed a religious outlook and had their own liturgical rites. The remote location of the Ob' North from the capital city facilitated the development of a peculiar way of life for the indigenous population that was not subject to state laws and was free from serfdom. Therefore, the Christianization of the Ob' North is a very difficult and controversial process, as the missionary activities of the Russian Orthodox Church had a key influence on the religious beliefs and customs of the indigenous inhabitants of this land.