Russian Molokans
The
name "Molokan" originates from the Russian word for milk (moloko) since
the members of this group do not refrain from milk and other products during
Orthodox fasts. It refers to those who suffered persecution from both the
Russian Orthodox Church and the government for their non-traditional beliefs and
practices.
Russian Molokans settled primarily in Los Angeles area and later in the
Willamette Valley in Oregon. Good labor skills were valued more than formal
education. The Molokan community is characterized by isolation from the outside
world, strong emphasis on agricultural work, and attendance of frequent
religious services called sobraniye.
Bibliogrpahy:
Romo, Richard. History of a Barrio: East Los Angeles. Austin: The
University of Texas Press, 1983.
Young, Pauline. The Pilgrims of Russian-Town. Chicago: The University of
Chicago Press, 1932.
Links:
:
A History of Molokans in Boyle Heights