Two things I wish you to notice in this photograph. Firstly, there are female members of this musical group. Their uniforms are virtually identical to those of the men (they wear trousers, not skirts, for instance). That is as it should be in a well-run military organisation. They are there due to their musical ability, and I say that is a good thing!
Secondly, note the icon of Christ placed in a prominent location for all to see. It is mute evidence of the changes in Russian society and the religious revival sweeping Russia as we speak. Can you believe that there were silly sorts in the diaspora community who ran about claiming that the communists were still in power and that the events of August 1991 were a sham? Many who claimed such hurt those who were happy at the changes after the fall of the Bolshies. Thank goodness, the reconciliation last May between the ROCOR and MP caused most of these sorts to leave the Church. I know that any schism is bad, but, there is part of me that says “good riddance to bad rubbish”. These people gave ROCOR a bad name undeservedly, and we are better-off without them.
Follow this link to the Admiralty Navy Band webpage, where there are mp3 selections of their music available. http://www.admiraltynavyband.com
