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Metropolitan Ignatiy (Gozadinos)

Metropolitan of Gothia and Kaffa, known as the organizer of the emigration of Christians from Crimea in 1778 and the founder of Mariupol.

Overview

Ignatiy Gozadinos played a key role in the history of the Greek community of Crimea and the Northern Pryazovia region. As Metropolitan of Gothia and Kaffa, he led the relocation of Orthodox Christians (mostly Greeks, as well as Armenians and Georgians) from the territory of the Crimean Khanate to the russian empire in 1778. This action was initiated by the russian government (Empress Catherine II and the military commander Alexander Suvorov) with the aim of undermining the economy of the Crimean Khanate ahead of its eventual annexation. After the relocation, Ignatiy became the founder of the city of Mariupol.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Organization of the relocation: In 1778, on the orders of Catherine II and under the command of Suvorov, Ignatiy organized the emigration of tens of thousands of Christians from Crimea.
  • Political context: The relocation aimed to weaken the economic potential of the Crimean Khanate, since Christians made up the main part of its craftsmen and merchants.
  • Founding of Mariupol: After leaving Crimea, Ignatiy and his flock founded new settlements in the Pryazovia region, the chief of which became the city of Mariupol.