An interview with Ivan Zhabin, a man often described as a leader among the “Mormons” of the Orenburg area. Also includes a few paragraphs on “Orthodox Mormons”, which I’ve translated below. The article identifies the “Mormons” as Old Believers who were compared with “Mormons”.
“Kulugury–a nickname for Old Believers (Fedoseevites) living in Kazan and environs at the end of the 17th century. The adherents of Theodosius Vasil’yev were in their time the largest “priestless confession”–a sect of Old Believers who rejected the priesthood. Orenburg was founded by related groups who fled other areas, mostly Old Believers and Protestants; thus the nickname arrived here. Sometimes the Kulugury are compared to Mormons. Actually, they have much in common: rejection of the church hierarchy, a conviction that a person does not need a mediator to speak with God. The only leader chosen among them is the Elder, who directs all the affairs of the prayer house. They have strict morals: no smoking, drinking, or swearing, prayers and work to strengthen body and spirit “by the sweat of the brow”. Marriages and family are central. Abortion is forbidden. Collectivism and mutual assistance are greatly emphasized.
“In Orenburg Oblast today there are several known communities which exhibit a way of life and philosophy that strikes the modern person as unusual (Khlysts, Molokans, Dyrochniki), but their numbers are few and scattered and therefore usually unnoticed. The Kulugury are a phenomenon distinguished by their relatively dense concentration and their prosperity. They are generally involved in farming, but among them are also successful business owners. Many of their number are well known as businesspeople not only at the regional level but also in the political arena.”
