Faith exiled from Russia

The Doukhobors, a pacifist Christian sect that originated in Russia, are facing extinction in Georgia, where only about 100 members remain in two remote villages. Their culture, rooted in nonviolence, has survived despite centuries of persecution, including expulsions from Russia for rejecting the Orthodox Church and military service. This struggle for survival is mirrored by contemporary Russian men fleeing conscription amidst the Ukraine invasion. Svetlana Svetlishcheva, a member of the community, laments, 'Our people are dying,' as she and her family participate in traditional prayer gatherings. The Doukhobors' history includes a significant population growth in Georgia, which peaked at 20,000 before violent crackdowns led to further displacements. Their plight exemplifies a broader narrative of cultural resilience and the challenges faced by minority communities under threat.