東方宣教活動の現在

沿ヴォルガ地域における正教会の活動と民族文化

抄録

The author examines the Orthodox mission’s activities with regard to non-Russian ethnic groups, in particular the Baptized Tatars (Kriashens), in the Middle Volga region. After the collapse of the USSR, the Russian Orthodox Church regained its authority and began to reassert its influence on the people. Orthodox missionaries are engaged in the translations of sacred texts and the training of clergy from non-Russian people, which was promoted by Nilokai Il’minskii in the late nineteenth century. The Kriashen ethnic activists considered the translation of sacred texts as one way of conserving their “mother tongue.” However, these intellectuals put emphasis on their inherent traditions and culture, which often contained “pagan” elements. One typical example is the ritual of sacrifices in villages, which seems to be derived from the ancient beliefs, but has been merged with Christianity. In the Soviet era, these rituals were allowed as a part of “local culture”; at the same time, they allowed people to retain their Christian identity. Kriashen activists regard these rituals as a part of their “ethnic culture,” and hope to retain them. Some villagers who continue to practice such rituals believe them to be “their Christian practice.” However, Orthodox priests consider them “pagan custom” and attempt to forbid them. The appearance of the church and persuasion by the priests have changed the people’s consciousness. In this way, the contemporary Orthodox resurrection demonstrates the complex situation with regard to the relationship between the religion and culture in a region, and what “true Christianity” is.