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KAMCHATKA ORTHODOX BROTHERHOOD AS HISTORIC AND CULTURAL PHENOMENON IN THE FAR NORTH-EAST OF RUSSIA IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY
Authors: Tkalich Aleksey Ivanovich

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The work of Kamchatka Orthodox Brotherhood, created in the beginning of the XX century, became the
cause of numerous socio-cultural phenomena for the Utmost North-Eastern region. Among them are Faith
schools, boarding schools, orphanages, hospices for elderly people, libraries, reading rooms, book warehouses,
hospitals, leprosarium’s, pharmacies which the region has never had before. Within five years, from 1910
to 1915, Kamchatka Brotherhood built 7 new churches, several chapels, 8 new schools. To the year 1918 in
Kamchatka, the vigorous action of the fraternity, earned 35 churches, 8 chapels (mostly with prestol’s) and
42 schools. Kids of the Kamchadal, Even and Koryak nations were taught not only Russian, but also crafts to
ensure their material after leaving school. Children of the Kamchadal, Even and Koryak peoples have not only
studied Russian reading and writing but also crafts which helped them to make a living after school graduation.
Native population received free medicines and qualified medical help thanks to Brotherhood. Besides, due
to Brotherhood work there was held active religious and spiritual education. Reading rooms opened nearby
religious schools had lecture-halls where children were given the basic knowledge of geography, history and
Russian culture. Not only Moscow and Saint-Petersburg have responded to the call to help Kamchatka’s native
population. Organized system of branches of the brotherhood allowed to replenish the ever-growing needs
of Kamchatka’s mission. From different cities and enjoyed received money, books, icons and medications.
Brotherhood branches have opened in many Russian cities. Gathered medicines, clothes, personal hygiene
items, books, study books and school equipment, icons and vestments for Kamchatka churches gave a start
to a wide religious and spiritual education. Meanwhile, Brotherhood itself has transformed into a special
cultural phenomenon of the region. Owing to its work, there are now outlining clear perspectives of an absolute
Orthodoxy strengthening on the whole territory of Utmost North-East.