The Churches were Opened and Lots of Missionaries Arrived: Dialogue between Komi Identity and Faith

The Komi people in northern Russia tend to consider the Russian Orthodox faith as a natural part of their lives and self-image. During recent decades different Protestant churches have spread intensively over the Republic of Komi. Although the Protestants constitute a small minority of the local population, theyplay a major role in initiating discussion concerning ethnic traditions, identity and the freedom to select a faith. The local population’s predominant approach to religious issues is blurred, although they tend to prefer the Russian Orthodox faith, albeit without frequenting church ceremonies. This pro-Orthodox standis grounded on loyalty to ancestors and ethnic traditions. We take the process of religious change among the Komis as a starting point from which to discuss issues of individual and collective identity, and the variability and stability of people’s self-understanding as well as understanding of the Other.