Abstract

Purpose. The article is devoted to research the khlitst’s sect in Kharkiv province in XIX century. The analysis of archival sources allowed to reveal the religious daily features of the khlists in the region, to identify the impact of faith on lifestyle, basic moral principles and norms of behavior. Approach. The research is based on Kharkiv Oblast State Archive archival sources analysis. Interrogations of people who were suspected in sectarianism, the testimony of representatives of civil authorities and priests, gossip about sectarians can expand our idea of this sect. The analysis of the archival sources requires a critical approach because of the high degree of subjectivity, negative attitudes to the khlists in Russian society in XIX century. It should be also noted that the khlists dur-ing the judicial investigations denied their membership in the sect or completely avoid discussion about the nature of their religious rites, rituals, beliefs, moral principles. Lack of information generated speculation among the contemporaries, who created a lot of myths about khlist’s deviant behavior. The maximum involvement of archival sources in the scientific research could allow to investigate the fragmentary picture of the khlist. Findings. The researcher argues that an ascetic life was understood by sect members as «monkish» way to salvation of the soul, preparing the body for uniting with the Holy Spirit. Asceticism was expressed in denying temptation, sensual pleasures of intimate life, food delicious (meat, some fish, crayfish), alcohol, smoking, fashion clothes, jewelry. Despite such restrictions the sect of khlists spreaded among the peasants and burghers, who were attracted by material well-being, healthy lifestyle. The author argues that the religious rites during the meeting of communities was one of the main factors the khlist’s popularity.

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