The Old Believers of the Ukraine Danube Delta, near the town of Vilkovo, “Venice of the Ukraine,” moved to this place where the streets are water channels. The Turks who occupied this region in the 18th century allowed the Old Believers to live there tax free. The Old Believers are characterized by their severity, by their manners, work and devotion to community. Idleness and drunkenness have always been considered great sins. Living conditions are spartan: no electricity, or running water, nor gas.
The Stranniki (Russian for Runaways or Wanderers) are the strong Pomorsky Old Believers who rejected prayers for Tsar Peter and all government papers (identification, passports, money, etc). They would not wear clothing contrary to Old Orthodox Russia, nor eat with those of contrary Faith and Practice. Keeping themselves separate from the antichrist society they went far into the Siberian wilderness. This blog is about these people and my effort to conform my life to theirs.