Православ’я Та Латиська Ідентичність: Шлях До Державності Та Помісної Церкви (1840-Ті – 1920-Ті Роки)

The article is devoted to the study of the essence of the Orthodox Latvian identity, its features and significance in the history of the Latvian people. The author systematizes and complements the understanding of the development of the ethos of the Lšatyš, which are associated with Orthodox Christianity. The main narratives that formed the Orthodox Latvian identity in the period from the 1840s to the 1920s are determined as basic for life in independent Latvia: 1) The legendary and romantic prehistory, which was mythologized, exaggerating the presence and role of Eastern Christianity on the territory of modern Latvia in the Middle Ages; 2) The narrative of the free and conscious acceptance of Orthodoxy, according to which Latvians did not simply turn to Orthodoxy at the will of their masters, but the people sought Orthodoxy out of their own free will; 3) A social narrative, according to which in the 19th century the Orthodox Church in Latvia demonstrated its closeness to the poorest social strata, especially the peasantry, and at the beginning of the 20th century it provided support to Latvian revolutionaries and those who were persecuted during punitive expeditions; 4) A cultural and educational narrative, according to which Orthodox Latvians emphasized the role of educational institutions of the Orthodox Church in the education and culture of the Latvian people; 5) A national-patriotic narrative, which was based on the fact that there were many Latvians among the Orthodox clergy, divine services and sermons were held in the Latvian language, and publishing and cultural life developed in a national spirit under the auspices of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Latvians proved their ability to resist Russification, took an active part in the formation and development of Latvian culture, education and Latvian national identity.