To the Issue of the Sukhumi Diocese's Activities of the Russian Orthodox Church during the First World War

Abstract

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The article examines the Sukhumi Diocese' activities during the First World War. The attention is paid to the charitable activities for both the clergy and the flock, as well as events to raise funds for military needs. There were used as sources the regional periodical press, namely the journal “Sotrudnik Zakavkazskoi missii”, which was published in the district center - the Sukhum city. The work used the journal issues for the 1912-1916 period. The usage of periodicals as a source predetermined the authors' use of the content analysis method and the historical-chronological method. If the first one was important for the analysis of the general content of the journal and the selection of materials of interest, the second one allowed the authors to consider the life of the population of the Sukhumi district and the Sukhumi diocese in its chronological sequence. In conclusion, the authors state that the Sukhumi diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church during the First World War was a reliable support of the Russian government in organizing assistance to both the Russian Red Cross Society and helping the families of those called up for war. The population supported many initiatives of the church and the government: it provided all possible assistance in supporting Russian prisoners of war, donated funds to Russia's allies in the Entente, for example, Serbs and Montenegrins. The events for collecting donations used on the territory of the diocese were diverse: these were charity evenings, sermons by priests, and club gatherings. All sectors of society, including the elderly and children, took part in donations for military needs. Copyright © 2022 by Cherkas Global University