On the Issue of Organizing the Second Ossetian Orthodox Parish in Vladikavkaz

Abstract

In the historiography of Vladikavkaz, there are many works devoted to the Ossetian settlement of the city, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Ossetian church) in Vladikavkaz, but almost no mention is made of the second Ossetian settlement and the construction of a church on its territory. Meanwhile, the history of the Ossetian population of the Vladimir (Novo-Ossetian) settlement is also worthy of attention. The article reveals the reasons for the creation of the second Ossetian Orthodox parish in Vladikavkaz, the issues of building a church in the name of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious. It is noteworthy that not only local Ossetians, but also Russian residents of the settlement actively participated in the organization of the Ossetian parish and the construction of the temple. The construction of the temple was also facilitated by retired and current officers. Assistance was provided by the city authorities and the Vladikavkaz and Mozdok diocese. Funds were allocated for the construction and improvement of the temple from the budget of the Holy Governing Synod. As in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin of the city, only the Ossetian clergy served in the St. George’s Church in Vladikavkaz. At the same time, the temple provided nourishment to the entire Orthodox population of Vladimirskaya Slobidka, regardless of nationality. Despite the short history, the second Ossetian parish of Vladikavkaz played its missionary role in strengthening Orthodoxy among the Ossetian population of the city, in educating local residents. For writing this work, newspaper publications of that time and materials of the Central State Archive of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (TsGA RSO-A) were used.