THE RELIGIOUS SECT OF SKOPTSY (IN 1840S-1850S)

Abstract

The first Russian Raskolniks who came to Georgia were Skoptsy (eunuchs). Since 1822, the Skoptsy were resettled mainly in Redut-Kaleh and Sukhumi. In 1825, they were sent to settle in the village of Maran, located by the river Rioni. Soon about 0.3 thousand people gathered here. One group of Skoptsy was later settled in the village of Kodori. They were assigned to transport military cargo and ammunition from Kulevi (Redutkale) Marana through Rioni. This hard work and many hardships caused significant mortality because the natural reproduction of the Skoptsy did not take place due to the graceful castration according to their sectarian views.

In 1855, the number of Skoptsy settled in Maran and Kodori was halved. After a while, it ceased to exist altogether.

The sect was active in Russia for a century and a half and was destroyed only during Soviet rule.