User:Matheaumoore/New Kuban, New Jersey

New Kuban, New Jersey is a section of Buena Vista Township, in Southern New Jerseyfounded in 1953 by Cossacks, from the region of Kuban, fleeing the destruction of World War II and the Communist regime in Soviet Russia.

The community community has decreased in size as many of the second and third generation have chosen a more assimilated lifestyle and pursued employment and educational opportunities elsewhere, however the community continues to exist, with many original immigrants as well as descendants remaining in the area.

The focal point of the community is the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Protection, built in traditional Russian architectural style. Services are occasional since the repose of the church's last full time priest in 2004. (There may be a new priest assigned to the parish.) The services are very traditional,served in church Slavonic, with the congregation standing through the entire services. A small box of Russian soil is kept in an honored position near the altar. Visitors are welcome but are expected to dress modestly and women will often be asked to cover their heads. There is also a small Orthodox monastery located nearby.

A larger community of Kuban Cossack refugees from the same region also exists in in Hopewell, New Jersey. There has been some tension between the two groups regarding the possession of religious and historical articles brought to America by the original refugee groups.

Directions: Head north from the center of Buena on State Route 54 for 2 mi. After passing a Sunoco station on the right, turn right at the next intersection on black-topped Weymouth Road. New Kuban is 1 mi ahead. The Church is located at 333 Weymouth Road Buena, NJ 08310. The New Kuban Historical Society is located at 521 Weymoth Road, Buena, NJ 08310

Meetings:

Museum: A collection of artifacts and paintings of Cossack history as an outgrowth of the Cossack development in Buena Vista Township.