Letter from Ambrosy Kosarzhevsky from Siberia Dated May 29, 1875

Abstract

Published for the first time, the letter of the exiled priest Amvrosy Kosarzhevsky to his colleague Simon Zhukovsky is a valuable source for church history, for the history of Lithuania and Poland, for the history of theology, as it contains unique information about the exiled and parish Catholic clergy of Siberia, about parishes and parishioners, as well as theological reflections on the creation of angels and of the light.

Speaking about the Siberian Catholic clergy, the author of the letter touches upon such topics as: the return of exiled priests to the European part of the empire, their financial situation and benefits, correspondence and contacts with representatives of secular and spiritual authorities, police supervision, enterprise, conflicts, friendship, mutual respect, illnesses and treatment, compassion and assistance; the living conditions of parish priests, their pastoral trips, types of activities, appointments, awards from the authorities. Speaking about parishioners, Kosarzhevsky describes their activities, moves, illnesses, return to their homeland, assistance to priests, conflicts with children and the priest, professions, careers, and death.