The Udmurt People of Russia

A long time ago an ancient European people group with ethno linguistic ties to Finland made their way to the heart of Russia to claim a place of their own. They became known as “the people of the woods” because of their pagan beliefs in spirits and gods living among the trees of the forest. Today they are known as the Udmurts of Russia.

The Udmurt people group of Russia is one of the largest ethnic minority groups in the country. Out of its population of approximately 770,000, an estimated 2,000—less than .3 percent—are evangelical believers and about 200 are said to be Baptists. More than 70 percent of the Udmurt population dwells in the Republic of Udmurtia, a part of Russia that is about 700 miles east of Moscow.

In ancient times Udmurts had no written language, making improvisation a significant part of their prayers and religious ceremonies. Udmurts were very famous for weaving and artistic wood processing. They carved wooden images and exalted them as gods, and even today hold false ideas about these idols.

Russian is the trade language in both Russia and the Republic of Udmurtia. The majority of Udmurts know and speak this language, although those living in villages prefer to speak and be spoken to in Udmurt. Only some village Udmurt are literate in their heart language.

The Udmurt have strong animistic roots and their ancestral sacrificial system is similar to that of the Old Testament. Like many Russians, the average Udmurt would say he/she is Orthodox, a belief system that was introduced in the 14th century with force conversion occurring in the 16th century.

Udmurts also continue to practice many pagan rituals or traditions tied to paganism. They worship ancestors as well as gods of the earth, forest, sun, sky and water, and now, as commented by one Udmurt, the God of the Bible. In the midst of this spiritual melting pot approximately 50 evangelical churches exist in Udmurtia, of which nine are Baptist Union churches. The majority of evangelical churches have some Udmurt attending, but most preach in Russian and have a mix of Russian and Udmurt singing.

A typical Udmurt home is led by the woman of the family while men struggle with a lack of motivation to work and are dying of alcoholism. Constant struggles with depression lead to suicide, especially for young people with unrealistic expectations for their futures. They are hopeless, aimless and spiritually poor in the midst of false gods and traditions.

The challenge to reach these people of central Russia with the Gospel of Jesus Christ is great and will require sacrificial and committed prayers from the body of Christ. Find out how you can be a part of shining the light of hope and salvation among these “people of the woods.”