Immigrants From the Baltic Provinces to the Province of Smolensk (1884-1889): the Religious Aspect
The article deals with the process of migration of Latvians and Estonians from the Baltic provinces to the Smolensk province in 1884-1889. Immigrants settled down at eight of the twelve districts in Smolensk province. Some settlers became tenants of landlords' or peasants' lands. Other immigrants became landowners. The settlers were Lutherans and Orthodox by religion. The majority of the immigrant families were Orthodox. A small number of such families were classified as mixed ones. Having moved to the Smolensk province, the Orthodox Latvians experienced difficulties with satisfying spiritual needs. A group of the Latvian believers broke the connection with the Orthodox Church, violated religious norms and rules. The conclusion was drawn that the Latvians and Estonians who moved from the Baltic provinces experienced difficulties in adapting to new conditions, primarily of a religious nature.