Frequently Asked Questions about Russian Mormonism

June 29th, 2006

What is the relationship between the LDS Church and Russian Mormonism?
Russian Mormonism developed from native Russian sects in the 1800s. These sects had native Russian names such as the Khlysts, Molokans, and Montans. However, in 1869 a Russian Orthodox priest called one group of these Russian sectarians "Mormons" because they seemed similar to what he knew of American Mormonism. Besides this terminology connection, Russian Mormonism was not influenced by the doctrinal teachings of American Mormons.

Were there LDS missionaries in Russia during the late 1800s?
Orson Hyde and George G. Adams were appointed as LDS missionaries to Russia in 1843. However, they never fulfilled their mission. A Swedish family living in St. Petersburg was baptized in 1895 in Russia, but the family later fled the country and some of them served time in prison camps. No other known missionaries or members were in Russia before the late Soviet period.

How do Russian Mormons react when they hear about the LDS Church?
Russian Mormons are usually curious about American Mormon missionaries when they first meet. However, Russian Mormons have generally expressed little continued interest in joining the LDS Church. In one case, the daughter of a Russian Mormon preacher in Omsk joined the LDS Church when she learned that there were "other Mormons" now in Russia. Other Russian Mormons in Samara have become wary of LDS missionaries and avoid conversations with them.

What about rumors of handwritten Books of Mormon among Russian Mormons?
No materials from the LDS Church have yet been found, either handwritten or otherwise, that would suggest that Russian Mormons had access to them and started the sect based on these materials. Rumors about these books, while interesting, have not been substantiated by evidence. In the Caucasus, Russian sectarians in 1902 may have had access to some printed church materials.