SPECIFIC FEATURES OF COVERING THE FORMATION OF THE ORTHODOX COMMUNITY IN THE EARLY 20TH-CENTURY LOCAL AUSTRALIAN PRESS

The article is devoted to the problem of representation of Orthodox issues in foreign media, in particular, activities aimed at forming an Orthodox community among Russian emigrants in Queensland, Australia, in the early 20th century. The analysis characterizes publications devoted to Orthodox Christianity in newspapers published in Brisbane, the administrative center of Queensland, where a significant Russian community resided. The study identifies the topics of publications, the main persons mentioned, and the nature of the description of activities aimed at forming an Orthodox community on a national basis. Research material from 1910–1916 confirms that the topic of Orthodox Christianity was regularly featured in the Queensland press, reflecting the most significant events in the life of the Russian Orthodox community, such as the arrival of priests, solemn services, public events involving the clergy, as well as private events such as weddings. Relations with the Anglican Church and the participation of other ethnic groups in Orthodox services were indirectly reflected. The tone of the publications is positive. Overall, the publications convincingly demonstrate that during this period, the Russian community was ready to form an Orthodox parish, and public opinion in Brisbane was also ready for this, but a combination of circumstances prevented this from happening during the specified period.Thus, the local press of any country is a valuable historical source, not only compensating for the insufficiency of other sources, but also helping to understand the socio-cultural background and logic of events, which is especially important in historical research.