Abstract: This work is aimed at studying the role of spiritual missions in the cultural life of Transbaikalia on the example of the Daurian Spiritual Mission, which was created by the Russian Orthodox Church with the aim of spreading Orthodoxy and Russian culture among the indigenous population of the Daurian land and neighboring regions of Eastern Siberia.
It is noted that in general, the Daurian Spiritual Mission has become the most important tool of the ROC in spreading the Orthodox faith of the XVII-XVIII centuries in Siberia. It made it possible to introduce many peoples of Eastern Siberia to Christianity, preserving a tolerant approach and the uniqueness of local cultural traditions, which contributed to the development of both trade and industry in this region. During the intensive development of the economy of this part of the Russian state, the Daurian Spiritual Mission played its role as a spiritual and economic connector.
Separately, the interaction of the mission with Northern Buddhism (Lamaism) and the desire to attract Buddhists to Christianity is noted. However, due to concerns about the negative impact on international relations with China, this line of work was not continued.
In addition to pagan and Buddhist influence on the ethnoculture of Eastern Siberia, the influence of Old Believers is noted. The Trans-Baikal Old Believers are an important spiritual experience of Russian Orthodox culture in Eastern Siberia and have a long history.
The Semey Old Believers are considered separately as a kind of Old Believers in Transbaikalia, who were settled in this territory in the XVIII century, which is caused by an incomplete understanding of their life and everyday life.
It is indicated that the mixing of cultural elements, including mixed marriages, has led to the formation of a unique culture and way of life of the Semeyskys, who continue to preserve their individuality and persist in the modern world.