ST. INNOKENTII VENIAMINOV’S ACTIVITY IN YAKUTIA: HISTORICAL SOURCES AND LITERATURE ABOUT HIM

Abstract

The article is devoted to the problem of Christian culture influence on the emergence of Yakut literature. The article presents the main directions of research in this scientific aspect, which allows us to illuminate more fully the issue of the role and significance of missionary activity of the 19th century in Yakutia, when handwritten Yakut literature begins with translations of church literature. The aim of this study is to systematize historical sources and literature on the activities of St. Innokentii Veniaminov, who made a personal contribution to the development of not only the Yakut diocese, but also in general to the development of the Yakuts’ spiritual culture. Methods of analysis, generalization and consideration of issues in chronological terms were used as the main research methods. As a result of the study, it can be stated that the spread of Christianity in Yakutsk region as part of the state domestic policy of Russia, as well as in other regions, had a beneficial effect on the distribution of literacy among the population, including the appearance of church literature in the Yakut language. In this aspect St. Innokentii Veniaminov’s contribution is highlighted. During his missionary activity significant historical events took place in Yakutia, i.e. the first translated publications and the conduct of church services in the Yakut language.