The word "Dukhobortsy" is a Russian term that refers to a religious group that emerged in the 18th century. The phonetic transcription of this word in IPA is [dʊxɐˈbort͡sɨ]. The spelling consists of two parts: "Dukho" which means "spiritual" and "bortsy" which means "fighters" or "warriors". The pronunciation of each letter is as follows: "d" is pronounced as [d], "u" as [ʊ], "kh" as [x], "o" as [ɐ], "b" as [b], "or" as [or], "t" as [t], "sy" as [sɨ].
Dukhobortsy, also spelled Doukhobors, refers to members of a Christian religious sect that emerged in Russia during the 18th century. The term "Dukhobortsy" means "spirit wrestlers" in Russian and reflects their spiritual beliefs and practices. The movement was led by a charismatic leader named Ivan Vinokurov, who rejected the Orthodox Church's teachings and advocated for a more direct, personal relationship with God.
The Dukhobortsy rejected many Orthodox rituals, including icons, church sacraments, and the use of clergy. Instead, they emphasized the importance of spiritual communion with God through prayer and the cultivation of inner virtues such as love, humility, and pacifism. The movement also emphasized communal living and rejection of material possessions, focusing on collective farming and sharing resources.
Due to their unconventional beliefs and refusal to conform to the state's religious and social norms, the Dukhobortsy faced persecution and oppression from both the Russian government and the Orthodox Church. Many members were exiled, imprisoned, or forced to renounce their beliefs. In the late 19th century, faced with escalating religious persecution, thousands of Dukhobortsy emigrated to Canada, where they found relative freedom to practice their faith and establish communal settlements.
Today, the Dukhobortsy continue to exist both in Russia and Canada, with their numbers significantly reduced. They are known for their commitment to nonviolence, pacifism, and their unique form of spiritual worship. Their history and beliefs represent an important chapter in the development of religious dissent and religious freedom in Russia.
The word "Dukhobortsy" comes from the Russian language. It is derived from two Russian words: "Dukh" meaning "spirit" or "soul", and "bortsy" which means "fighters" or "strugglers". Therefore, "Dukhobortsy" can be translated as "Spirit Wrestlers" or "Fighters for the Spirit". The term refers to a religious group of Russian origin that emerged in the 18th century. The Dukhobortsy were known for their spiritual beliefs, pacifism, and their struggle against the established religious and governmental authorities in Russia at the time.