The missionary aspect of the work of colporteurs in the Russian Empire between the late 19th and early 20th centuries

This article examines the contribution of colporteurs in the distribution of religious faiths in the Russian Empire between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author analyses the reasons of the popularity of colporteurs' job both among the folk and among the intelligentsia. The article also explores the sources of the crisis of the colporteurs' work at the end of the 19th century and the ways out of it. A comparative analysis shows forms and methods of missionary activities of sectarian and Orthodox colporteurs. In conclusion, the Act of toleration adopted in the early 20th century was an additional impetus to attract colporteurs to the case of the Orthodox mission.