Religijne aspekty życia sybiraków w perspektywie pedagogicznej

Abstract

For several centuries Siberia was a penal colony of Russia and later of the Soviet Union. The deportees composed a mosaic of nationalities, religions and denominations. In the past, these features were much more related to each other. The most numerous group among the Siberian deportees were Christians of various denominations – Catholics, members of the Orthodox Church, and Protestants. The presence of the last seems surprising – yet, this is a result of deporting several thousands of Germans from Ukraine in the thirties of the 20th century. Tragic conditions which the deportees suffered were an ordeal for their faith. Some gave up their belief in the almighty and merciful God, some found solace and hope in their faith, and the others experienced inner conversion in Siberia. The multitude of attitudes rises reflection upon human nature in the context of education and the course of life. What is presented in the study are the religious aspects in the life of Polish Siberian deportees from the sixties of the 19th century, the thirties of the 20th century and from the period of World War II. On the basis of qualitative interviews with two contemporary female repatriates, an utline was created of the religiousness of Poles – descendants of the deportees, who currently live in Kazakhstan.