The Mission to the Slavs

The Mission to the Slavs was a 19th-century effort by the Russian Orthodox Church aimed at strengthening spiritual and cultural ties among Slavic peoples, many of whom were under Ottoman or Austro-Hungarian rule. It sought to promote Orthodox Christianity, revive Slavic traditions, and foster unity through religious and educational initiatives. By doing so, Russia hoped to support Slavic identity, counter Western influence, and reinforce Russia’s role as a protector of Slavic nations. This movement intertwined religious, cultural, and political motives, influencing regional geopolitics and national identities during that period.