Additional PDF Profile

Introduction / History

The Ossetians call themselves "Irons" or "Digorons," and are one of the oldest Caucasian peoples. When the Iranian-speaking tribes (Alans, Scythes, and Sarmats) settled there, the local population took their language and many cultural features. The Alans and the Ossetians started the formation of the Ossetians. The Mongol-Tatars destroyed this alliance, and the Alans were driven from the plains to the mountain ravines, part of them moving to the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus where they still live.

Most Ossetians live in North Ossetia (capitol is Vladikavkaz) and a large number also live in the Republic of Georgia. A smaller number are in South Ossetia (surrounded on three sides by Georgia). The Ossetians and Georgians have a long relationship and share some of their customs. There are also numbers of this group in Kabardin-Balkaria and the Stavropol Region of Russia. North Ossetia and South Ossetia straddle the northern border of Georgia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like other Caucasian peoples, the Ossetians preserve and develop their traditions, customs and holidays no matter where they live. These are remembered in tales, proverbs, and songs that depict the centuries-long history of the Ossetian people.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Ossetians professed Christianity, which came from the Byzantine Empire and Georgia during the sixth and seventh centuries. Islam spread into Ossetia in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and a large number profess Islam (Sunni).

What Are Their Needs?

Ossetians need the spiritual hunger it takes to seek and find Jesus Christ with all their hearts and minds. “Religion” is easily compartmentalized rather than a central part of life.

Prayer Items

Pray that entire Ossetian families will turn to Christ in Georgia.
Pray that the Spirit will multiply Ossetian believers.
Pray that Christianity will be remembered in their traditions and the people will be attracted to the gospel.
Pray for Ossetians to be so in love with Jesus that they will share him with their Georgian neighbors.

Scripture Prayers for the Ossette in Georgia.

References

Hope for Europe