MISSIONARY ACTIVITY OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN THE POLESSKAYA EPARCHY (1921 – 1939)

Abstract

Missionary work of the Orthodox Church on the territory of Polesskaya eparchy in 1921 – 1939 is considered. The main task of the diocesan and district missionary committees was to preserve the number of the Orthodox population. Orthodox missionaries were forced to simultaneously counteract the active campaigning by representatives of non-traditional religious organizations to contain the spread of uniatism, combat manifestations of atheism among the young. To discuss various issues of missionary character, exchange experiences, develop new ways of working special meetings, conferences, courses were organized. Church officials attracted the orthodox population to the missionary work. Missionary activity has greatly contributed to the improvement of pastoral work of the clergy and to preservation of the traditions and practices of parochial life of the orthodox population of Polesskaya eparchy.