The gurban ritual in the religious life of the Greeks of the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody region

This paper studies the ritual sacrifice of animals (gurban) practiced among the Greeks inhabiting the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody region. Introduction of the new field materials makes this paper scientifically relevant. The novelty of the research is defined by the anthropological approach which is used in the paper to analyze the ritual mainly considered within the historical-genetic approach. The research is based on data collected during two field trips in 2023. Based on the collected materials, the scenario of the ritual and its main characteristics are described. Usually the sacrificial animal is a ram (or a lamb), a young bull or a rooster, and the sacrifice is performed on a religious feast, while the meat is to be given as alms. The article also aims to analyze the reception of this tradition among the local Greeks. On the basis of conversations with the informants, various arguments for and against the gurban ritual are identified, with the pros and cons linked to the genesis and origin of the ritual (the Old Testament or Turkish traditions). Now some Greeks deliberately refuse to perform the ritual and perceive it as an alien tradition (from a religious or cultural perspective). Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church also oppose the gurban, however, for many Greeks it remains an important element of their religious life and continues to be performed.