Palestinian readings in Western Siberia at the turn of XIX-XX century

The paper identifies the activities of the Siberian branches of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society, namely, religious and educational lecturing. The author defines the role of such activities in the cultural environment of Siberia. The branches were mainly concerned in spreading the information about the past and present situation in the Holy Land, especially about the measures to preserve the Orthodox faith in Palestine and encourage pilgrim journeys of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society. The paper shows that the organizers of the Palestine readings in Western Siberia observed the «Guiding rules for branches and departments» and other regulations. The West- Siberian branches of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society were provided with printed materials, pictures and other literature sent by the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society Council in St. Petersburg, and points out the contributions that certain members of the West-Siberian branch made, including the achievements of diocesan bishops who wrote and published their papers devoted to the Holy Land...