Bishop Alexy (Titov): at the origins of the Vyatka mission

The article discusses the activities of bishop Alexy (Titov), who initiated the missionary activity in the Vyatka eparchy. Revealed are the motives that prompted bishop Alexy to launch an Orthodox mission to the pagans of Vyatka. Given is a new assessment of the missionary activity of Bishop Alexy, and clarified are some data existing in historiography: who was at the origin of the Vyatka mission, the number of newly baptized under bishop Alexy, the reasons for the further stopping of the mission. The missionary practice of the Vyatka bishop is considered in the context of the Christianization of non- Russian peoples in the 18th century. The commitment of Bishop Alexy to the ancient Christian catechesis system is especially noted. The result of the missionary activity of bishop Alexy was the baptism of 95 Udmurts, who were sufficiently committed to the new religion. Also the issue of the lack of further steps to develop the process of Christianization of the Udmurts that is being raised.