KOMI

KOMI. The Zyryans (or Zyrians) are known also as Komi, and constitute one of two parts of the Permyak branch of the Finno-Ugric populations of central Russia. In the 9th c. the Permians divided into Komi and Udmurts. Historically, the Komi came into contact with Christianity as early as the 12th c. since they were trading partners with Novgorod. Their conversion is associated with Stephen of Perm (c. 1345–1396), who was a Russian born among the Zyryans. In 1370, after spending thirteen years as a monk at Rostov, Stephen traveled to this people situated east of the Volga. He believed, in concert with Orthodox Holy Tradition (q.v.), that the people should worship in their own language, so he created an alphabet for them from line design in their embroidery and carving. Following this, he translated the Bible and the liturgy of the Church from Greek into Zyryan. He also is known to have founded schools and seminaries to train native clergy. The Komi still live between the upper West Dvina River, Kama, and Pechora, a large region west of the northern Urals toward Archangel. In 1979 the Komi numbered more than 325,000.