The Lippovans are a Russian Orthodox community of “Old Believers”, whose culture and architecture add to the wealth and diversity of the Danube Delta.
The Lippovan people originated from Russia, who left their land in the 17th century, due to the reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church put in place by Patriach Nikon and Tsar Peter the Great. The Lippovans, a religious group, had disagreed with these reforms and were persecuted for decades and finally exiled. They found refuge in the Danube Delta and Bukovina , which is now a territory divided by Romania and Ukraine. Through contact with the local population, the Lippovans acquired a skill for fishing, which remained their core business until the end of the 20th century.
Despite their integration into Romanian society, the Lippovans remain proud of their origins. They are not considered Russian, but speak the Russian language. This pride, combined with a strong attachment to their religious customs and traditions makes them a separate cultural group in Romania. Almost all communities in the Danube Delta have a high population of Lippovans, Krishan they are about 25% of the population, in Jurilovka 37% and 75% in Slava Cercheza
Information
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Jurilovca