Beliefs of the Ossetins

Most of the Ossetins are Orthodox; the minority are Moslems-sunnites of hanafit kind. Christianity came to the ancestors of Ossetins - Alans in the 6-7th century from Byzantium and Georgia, since the beginning of the 10th century there existed the Alan metropolis. Alans felt Islam influence from the Golden Horde, but the mass Islamisation took place in Osetia in the 17-18th centuries. During the second half of the 18th century the tsar?s government lead a successful policy of strengthening Christianity among the Ossetins. The population of Digoria and Tagauria remained mainly Islam. Though the monotheistic religions were common, the beliefs of Ossetins were syncretic and retained rich pagan heritage. Many pagan gods, protectors and spirits got mixed with the heroes of Christian mythology. The most popular are Uastirji (Saint George) - the protector of men, warriors and travelers, Uatsilla (Saint Ilia) - the Thunderer and the protector of agriculture, Falvara - the protector of house animals, Tutir - the protector of wolves etc. Many other spirits are worshipped, they often have their temples (dzuar). Next to dzuars they perform prayers (kuvdi) in honor of the spirits and protectors with sacrifices and fiestas. There retain some magic beliefs, the funeral cycle is rather rich. The saint protectors and spirits are worshipped both by Christians and Moslems.

As the Ossetins? beliefs are syncretic, the revival of religious life since the end of 1980-ies affected not only Christianity and Islam, but the pre-monotheistic traditions as well. They openly perform the previously secret kuvdi in honor of different protectors, prayers by the holy places etc. Churches and mosques are being built.

In the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania within the Russian Federation: the Orthodox Ossetins belong to the Stavropol eparchy RPC; Moslems have formed a separate Ecclesiastic management of the Moslems of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

Moslems of the North Ossetia face difficulties when returning the confiscated mosques, there?s not enough qualified preachers.