Introduction / History

Hundreds of years ago the Finnic Mari people lived along the Volga and Kama rivers. Almost half of Maris today live in the Mari El republic, and most of the others either live in Bashkortostan or the Tatarstan republics.
They were controlled by the Mongols in the 13th century. Their land was taken by Ivan the Terrible's Russian Empire in 1552. As the Russians subdued them, sent settlers to take their land, and forced them to become Orthodox, the Mari moved further east into Bashkortostan. The Soviet Era brought more Russian settlers and greater efforts to squelch Mari culture. The High Mari began to revive their culture starting in the 1990s after the USSR dissolved.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The High Mari have their own cuisine, costumes, music, and dancing. These are usually tied in with their traditional religion.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are officially Orthodox Christian, the High Mari have a strong pagan past. Their religion is shamanistic and connected with the spirits of the land. They still have ceremonies in sacred groves, some of which involve animal sacrifice. These ceremonies have a feeling of mysticism. The High Mari wear costumes that they believe will give them good luck and protect them from evil spirits.

What Are Their Needs?

Russia's High Mari people need to put their hope in Jesus Christ to defend them from evil forces.

Prayer Points

Pray for many to put their trust and identity in Jesus Christ rather than their shamans.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful to the High Mari people, leading them to the savior who offers life to the full.
Pray for loving and bold workers to go to the High Mari people.
Pray for High Mari disciples to make more disciples in a culturally sensitive way.

Scripture Prayers for the Mari, High in Russia.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mari_people
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-sight/wp/2016/02/11/the-forgotten-mari-pagans-of-the-volga/