Верски, друштвени и културни аспекти руских миграција у Боку Которску Руско гробље и духовно заједништво
Confesional, Social and Cultural Aspects of Russian Migrations in Boka Kotorska. The Russian Cemetery and the Spiritual Union

Author(s): Dragana Radojičić
Subject(s): History, Theology and Religion, Eastern Orthodoxy, Migration Studies
Published by: Етнографски институт САНУ
Keywords: migrations; the Russian cemetery; the Church of St. Theodore Ushakov; spiritual and cultural connection
Summary/Abstract: This study chronologically covers the revitalization of the Russian cemetery in Herceg Novi and the construction and spiritual influence of the Church of St. Theodore Ushakov, the first Russian church built in Montenegro in 2007. From the historical point of view the period described is the one that starts after the October Revolution when a lot of emigrants came and permanently stayed in Boka Kotorksa. These were the members of the Elite of the imperial Russia: high-rank officers, professors, doctors, artists and their families. Russian emigrants relied on the Serbian Orthodox Church in Boka Kotorska. They went to the local churches to attend the liturgy, to get married, christened or be buried. Since the beginning of the 21st century many Russians have come to Montenegro to form another or the only home. In the coastal towns they can be seen throughout the whole year, in every public place such as supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, at public events as well as liturgies, christenings, weddings and cultural events. The general impression based on the field work and media reports is that the Russian newcomers have adapted to the new environment and that they feel free and peaceful- just like at home. The Society of Serbo-Russian Friendship for Herceg Novi and Boka Kotorska contributed immensely to the renewal of the spiritual unity. This has been accomplished through reaching the primary goal of this Society, which was to restore and protect the Russian cemetery on Savina in Herceg Novi. This location has become, especially after the construction of the Church of St. Theodore Ushakov, an active center of spiritual unity between Russians and people from Herceg Novi and nearby places. This everyday-spiritual unity is evident in all the religious rituals taking place.

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