Tatar, Kriashen in Russia

Tatar, Kriashen
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
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People Name: Tatar, Kriashen
Country: Russia
10/40 Window: No
Population: 35,000
World Population: 35,000
Primary Language: Tatar
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 95.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.30 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Ural-Siberian
Affinity Bloc: Turkic Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Kriashen is a Tatar subgroup. They are among the few Tatars who are Orthodox Christian rather than Muslim. Their language, and even their accent is nearly identical to that of other Tatar peoples.
The Kriashen were forced to accept Orthodox Christianity by the Russian Empire. There were three waves of forced conversions; the first two resulted in the Kriashens reverting to Islam. The third effort in the early 20th century resulted in permanent conversions. They were also given privileges over Muslim Tatars such as tax breaks.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Kriashen Tatars are being assimilated with the Russians through intermarriage.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are Orthodox Christian, the Kriashen probably have a ritualistic version of Christianity. They were forced to become part of a Christian institution, which does not necessarily mean they embraced Jesus himself.

What Are Their Needs?

The Kriashen Tatars need true Christ followers to teach them a biblical faith, based on Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Kriashen Tatars to hear and receive a faith based on Jesus rather than traditions.
Pray for them to understand heart-felt faith, based on a living savior rather than an imposed institution.
Pray for Kriashen disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a purified Russian Orthodox Church that will focus on the only savior.

Text Source:   Joshua Project