THE MENNONITE BROTHERHOOD IN RUSSIA (1789 - 1910), P. M. Friesen, 1911

n governments, who had accom- panied her on her famous "journey to Taurida,” the Empress herself received them in a ceremonious, respectful and solemn manner, as did the powerful Russian Prince Potemkin, who showed them his good-will. Special respect and favor was extended the two Mennonite delegates when the Empress requested that they accompany her on her tour of the Crimean Peninsula. When, on their return journey, they came to St. Petersburg, the two delegates were introduced to Russia’s heir-apparent, Paul I (who later became emperor and signed the Great Charter of Privileges, incorporating it into the law of the land), who accorded them the privilege of kissing his hand and in turn graciously kissed them on the cheek. This, together with the previously mentioned medal of honor given by Tsar Alexander I to Elder Cornelius Warkentin, is an important indication of the confidence, graciousness, and high expectations with which the Russian monarchs called and received our forefathers. Such acclaim could not last forever. We could not live with it, nor have we deserved it! §29 3. Already in the fall of 1788 a large contingent of Mennonites set out for their new homeland. §30 4.a) The very high expectations and demands relative to the overall efficiency of the Mennonites with which they were invited to Russia is demonstrated by the following excerpt of the “Plain Explanation etc. of the Kleine Gemeinde etc.” 1845, Danzig, page 14: “Few people pay more attention to the Word of the Lord and to the monarch’s will, which was transmitted to us through the Director and Commissioner Trappe in a royal communication that contains three admonitory points: First, that the Mennonites, as much as possible, diligently seek to maintain good teachers and pastors who will care for the salvation of their souls and foster a pious life, so that we will in Russia also let our light so shine before men that they will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Secondly, that we should guard against questionable members among us, and not bring those with us that openly live in serious vices, such as drunkenness, whereby the good name of the Mennonites in Russia could be disgraced. . . b) How thoroughly and carefully von Trappe proceeded can be seen from his visit to the Mennonites of Holland in Amsterdam. He probably wanted to study the co mmuni ty at its source and obtain the approval, co-operation and advice of the Dutch Anabaptists, who were the Mennonites’ influential friends, advisors, and protectors in all countries. Compare the interesting letter from Amsterdam above, V, 5, Appendix 2. IN RUSSIA 1789-1860 Bartsch Monument in the Rosental Colony near Chortitza. VIII. SETTLING IN RUSSIA 1. In the year 1789 a group of 228 families formed the very first §31 settlement in the District of Chortitza at the junction of the Dnieper and Chortitza rivers in the Province of Ekaterinoslav. 3 4 Another