The terror of the red partisans against the clergy and believers during the Civil War in the South-Western Siberia: an experience of generalization

The article summarizes the results of the analysis of a dramatic chapter in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) during the civil war in the South-Western Siberia. Based on archival material and information from publications of the early 20th century, as well as the works of Siberian historians, this study examines the reasons for the persecution of clergy, the geographical distribution of the red “partisanism” activities, the connection between anarcho-syndicalism and terror. In additions, the paper estimates approximate the number of victims and the consequences of these tragic events. It was revealed that pogroms of believers and clergy, robbery and destruction of prayer facilities took place everywhere throughout South-Western Siberia. The escalation of terror was exacerbated by the influence of anarchist ideas among the commanding staff of the partisan detachments, who took an implacable and more radical attitude than the Bolsheviks to the institution of the church and the clergy.