Russian Sect Quietly Builds Anti-Democratic Colonies in Poland
A Russian sect known as the Anastasians has been quietly establishing colonies in Poland while promoting anti-democratic and patriarchal views. The movement, which blends esoteric beliefs with conspiracy theories, first emerged in the mid-1980s but gained traction in Poland around 2015. Despite its controversial ideology, local authorities have shown little concern about its presence.
The Anastasians trace their origins to Vladimir Megre, who claimed to have encountered a woman named Anastasia in Siberia in 1994. His book, The Ringing Cedars of Russia, outlines her teachings and has sold over 11 million copies worldwide. Central to their beliefs is the Siberian cedar, seen as a sacred plant with healing properties. Followers are encouraged to create a 'space of love' on one hectare of land, blending ecology with esoteric practices.
In Poland, the movement was organized by Piotr Kulikowski, a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kulikowski purchased land for the colonies for over 2.3 million PLN (around €535,000) and promoted the 'Family Party', modeled after a Russian political group pushing for 'ancestral lands' laws. He has since relocated to Russia, leaving behind a low-profile network.
The Polish settlements operate discreetly, running a 'School of Happiness' for children based on the methods of Mikhail Shchetinin. Despite their activities, no official records or media reports confirm the existence of active Anastasian communities in Poland today. The group's ideology, which includes elements of racism and antisemitism, has raised concerns, though local authorities remain indifferent.
The movement's worldview mixes ecology with conspiracy theories, advocating for a return to traditional, patriarchal structures. While its influence in Poland appears limited, its ties to Russian political ideologies and its secretive nature continue to draw scrutiny.
The Anastasians' presence in Poland remains largely unmonitored, with no confirmed settlements documented by officials or media. Their leader's departure to Russia and the group's low-profile operations suggest a deliberate effort to avoid attention. The movement's controversial beliefs, combined with its financial investments in land, leave questions about its long-term intentions in the country.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
