The Religious Landscape of the Khabarovsk Region in the 1990s: Features of Formation and Development Trends

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of the religious landscape in the Khabarovsk Territory during the 1990s. It examines the actions of local authorities in executing state religious policies and normalizing relations with religious organizations and adherents. The study highlights the factors contributing to the “religious boom” of the 1990s, including the increase in the number of religious communities, groups, and believers. It emphasizes the significant influence of the first bishop of the Khabarovsk diocese, Gabriel (Steblyuchenko), in revitalizing the Orthodox religious tradition in the region. Additionally, the role of foreign missionaries in the resurgence of Protestant religious organizations and the emergence of various non-tradi-tional religions (new religious movements) in the Khabarovsk Territory is discussed. The article notes that the charitable initiatives of both local Protestant organizations and their foreign counterparts were instrumental in the proliferation of Protestantism in the area. Furthermore, it analyzes the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the religious situation in the Khabarovsk Territory during this period, concluding that despite the increase in the number of religious organizations and self-identified believers, there was minimal qualitative growth in religiosity, with only about 3% of the regional population actively participating in a religious tradition.