Don Cossacks-Doukhobors in the Arkhangelsk Exile

Abstract

The article examines the life of Cossacks-Doukhobors, who retreated from the Orthodox Church, in exile in the Arkhangelsk province in 1778–1802 and 1812–1818. I draw on a range of newly discovered archival materials to describe the experience of a group of exiles in the extreme conditions of the North of Russia, their attempt to create a religious community involving the local residents, and their tactics of behavior vis-a-vis state authorities of different levels. I explore the manifestations of the Doukhobor mentality as exhibited in the conditions of the exile and discuss the policies of the secular authorities towards the apostates.