A 19th-century Russian religious sect that emerged from a schism and viewed itself as the Chosen People.
Staroizrail, also known as Old Israel, was a religious sect that emerged in the 1830s in Russia, marking a significant chapter in the history of new religious movements in Eastern Europe. This sect, part of the broader Sektanstvo or sectarian movements that flourished in the Russian Empire during the 19th century, originated from a schism within the Postniki (Fasters) sect, founded by Abbakum Kopylov.
The inception of Staroizrail can be attributed to Perfil Katasonov, a disciple of Kopylov, who established the movement based on a unique interpretation of Christian and Jewish traditions. The sect’s name, which translates to “Old Israel” in Russian, reflects their belief in being the true Chosen People, tasked with establishing the Kingdom of God on Earth.
Staroizrail’s beliefs were a syncretic blend of Judaism and Christianity, with a strong emphasis on the Old Testament. They observed the Sabbath on Saturday, practiced circumcision, and followed dietary laws similar to those in Judaism. However, they also incorporated some Christian elements, such as belief in Jesus as a prophet or messiah figure, though not as the divine Son of God. This unique combination of beliefs set them apart from both mainstream Christianity and traditional Judaism.
One of the distinctive features of the Staroizrail sect was their strict adherence to what they considered the original, unadulterated form of biblical law. They rejected many of the rabbinic interpretations and customs that had developed in mainstream Judaism over the centuries, focusing instead on a perceived “pure” form of biblical Judaism.
The sect gained followers and prominence during the 19th century, but faced challenges after the death of its founder, Perfil Katasonov. Following his demise, the sect experienced fragmentation, leading to the formation of various spin-off sects. Among these was New Israel, which became one of the notable offshoots.
During this period of transition, the movement became notable under the leadership of Vasiliy Semionovitch Lubkov. Under his guidance, Staroizrail continued to emphasize asceticism and fasting, aligning them with the Postniki tradition from which they had originated. They rejected many conventional Christian practices and rituals, maintaining a distinct set of religious observances and community rules.
Like many non-Orthodox religious groups in the Russian Empire, Staroizrail faced significant persecution. They were often viewed with suspicion by both Orthodox Christian authorities and traditional Jewish communities. Despite this, the sect managed to establish small communities in various parts of the Russian Empire, particularly in the southern regions.
In the early 20th century, seeking refuge from persecution, a portion of the Staroizrail community, led by Lubkov, embarked on a remarkable journey. They emigrated to Uruguay, where they established the town of San Javier. This migration was part of an effort to find a safe haven for their religious practices. In Uruguay, Lubkov implemented strict communal rules and maintained control over the community, which operated with a high degree of internal cohesion and isolation from the local population.
However, the group’s challenges were far from over. In the 1920s, some members decided to return to Russia, establishing a village commune named New Israel in the Rostov region. This decision coincided with the rise of the Soviet regime, which brought new forms of persecution and hardship for religious groups across the former Russian Empire.
During the Soviet era, Staroizrail, like many religious groups, faced severe repression and forced secularization. Many members of the sect were forced to practice their faith in secret or abandon it altogether. The Soviet government’s anti-religious policies made it difficult for the sect to maintain its traditions and pass them on to younger generations. Those who had returned to Russia had to adapt to the harsh collectivization policies imposed by the Soviet government, practicing their faith covertly to avoid persecution.
In the post-Soviet period, there has been a small revival of interest in the Staroizrail sect and other Subbotnik groups. Some descendants of Staroizrail members have sought to reconnect with their religious heritage, while scholars have begun to study the sect’s history and beliefs more closely. This renewed interest has shed light on the complex religious landscape of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, as well as the challenges faced by minority religious groups in these contexts.
Today, the number of active adherents to the Staroizrail sect is believed to be very small, with most concentrated in rural areas of Russia and some former Soviet republics. However, the exact number of followers is difficult to determine due to the sect’s historical need for secrecy and the lack of comprehensive studies on their current status.
The Staroizrail sect’s practices and beliefs continue to evolve, influenced by both their historical traditions and the changing social and religious landscape of the regions where they exist. Some members of the sect have sought closer ties with mainstream Jewish communities, while others maintain their distinct identity and practices.
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