Voices from Russia

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (1952- ), addressing the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN)

In an address to the RAN general meeting, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said, “The Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN) establishes scientific guidelines, it is responsible before society, it is honest and frank, and it is successful and ready for constant innovation. It will move with the times in future by preserving its spirit and traditions and will make a significant contribution to Russia’s development”. The session started on Tuesday and will end on 2 June in Moscow. Its agenda includes the election of a new president and selecting the members of its presidium, new academicians, and corresponding members. In his speech, Mr Putin outlined the key tasks before the RAN and its priorities. He said that all sectors of the RAN should join energetically in encouraging innovation and solve whatever problems are found in society, the economy, and business. The Russian government has already allocated substantial resources for the development of such areas as nano- and biotechnology, nuclear energy, and the aerospace industry. 

Mr Putin said that the government has annually increased its allocations for scientific research. This year’s federal budget spending on civilian scientific research will be about 125 billion roubles (3.391 billion euros. 2.66 billion UK pounds. 5.276 billion USD) directly, which increases to about 200 billion roubles (5.426 billion euros. 4.256 billion UK pounds. 8.442 billion USD) when extra-budgetary funding is taken into account. The prime minister noted that an incentive system will be worked out to attract young people to scientific careers under the federal programme for 2009-13. For one, young scientists will be provided with houses, and the number of presidential grants for young scientists will be increased. The government plans to allocate 80 billion roubles (2.17 billion euros. 1.703 billion UK pounds. 3.307 billion USD) for this purpose. Mr Putin hopes that the Academy will be a partner in the realisation of a key priority project, the creation of a network of federal universities. Federal Universities will be scientific and educational centres meeting world standards, and their students and teachers would have access to the laboratories of the best institutes and an opportunity to use other rational forms of integration of science and education, Mr Putin emphasised. 

29 May 2008

Yelena Studneva 

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27715&cid=59&p=29.05.2008 (in English)

Residents of St Petersburg had a grand time last weekend, revelling in a traditional carnival that brought together guests from 12 countries, including Argentina, the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, and Australia. For a city that is located on the banks of the Neva River on the spot where it flows into the Gulf of Finland, one that is criss-crossed by 308 rivulets and canals, rightfully called the “Venice of the North”, the motto of the Festival, “Water, Water – All Around Us”, sounds rather fitting. For this very reason, jellyfish, dolphins, mermaids, and many other undersea characters marched through the streets and squares of St Petersburg. Even classical music was performed on wineglasses and glasses filled with water. 

For the eighth time, the chief organiser of the event was Igor Garvyushkin, who represents Russia in the European Association of Carnival Cities. Even in the most difficult of times, there was room for nationwide festivals where people expressed themselves, Mr Gavryushkin said. Now, it seems, festival culture is witnessing a resurgence as never witnessed before, as there is danger of our society degenerating into a consumer society. Carnivals are designed to thwart this dangerous process by recreating local cultural traditions and involving many people in a culture-friendly environment that largely determines the quality of life. 

Carnivals are amongst the most loved pastimes, popular since ancient times. a carnival has its own face depending on the location, be it the Great Orange Battle in Ivrea, Italy, “A Tribute to the Cucumber” in the old Russian town of Suzdal, the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin, the Samba Carnival in Brazil, the New Year Parade in China, or the Goa Carnival in India. This year, the European Association of Carnival Cities placed the Petersburg Carnival in Category A, making it equal in rank with the Venetian one and acknowledging it as a specific cultural tradition. Other candidates seeking the European carnival status include a wide range of cultural centres in Siberia, the Urals, and the Volga. 

29 May 2008

Olga Bugrova 

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27698&cid=62&p=29.05.2008 (in English)

Architectural rendering of the Russia Tower, under construction in Moscow, due for completion in 2012. It shall be 612.2 metres (2,009 feet) in height, have 118 stories, accommodate 30,000 people, and have an underground parking area for 3,680 automobiles. It shall be the tallest building in Russia, and the second-tallest in the world.

A month-long biennial architectural fair opened last Tuesday in Moscow. It brings together architects of 18 nations. This way-of-life biennale comes on the crest of an unusually high wave of construction projects that are sweeping Russia, and, of course, the nationwide “Affordable Housing” programme. The man who runs the Russian section of this event, David Sarkisyan, put the limelight on architects and urban designers with new solutions to the problem of constructing inexpensive housing. He said, “The biennale does not focus on glamorous projects, but, on social projects of Russian origin. The whole world is curious about Soviet social projects of the 1970s. A wave of experimental construction swept the Soviet Union in that period. The Soviet Union was the first to launch a sweeping effort to provide people with affordable housing units and it blazed new trails in doing this”.

The Russian section of the architectural biennale features blueprints for construction projects in the suburbs of Moscow and other sprawling urban areas. There are quite a few suggestions for the renovation of old neighbourhoods and the redevelopment of former industrial zones. One has to admit that Russian architects refuse to shy away from efforts to plan sizable developments. They take all things into consideration, environmental protection and creature comforts included. Vasili Bychkov, the Biennale Director, said that the better part of the exhibited blueprints have little to do with day-dreams; some of them are commissioned projects. Mr Bychkov said, “The steering committee tried to add a touch of versatility to the Moscow biennale so as to make this architectural forum comprehensive. A traditional Arch-Moscow exhibit is a component part of this event. It presents quite a few architectural studios and design centres of foreign nations in the mainstream of the Moscow biennale”.

Dutch architect Bart Goldhoorn feels Russia can cash in on the European experience in large-scale construction ventures. The biggest construction project in Germany was launched in a suburb of Frankfurt. Blueprints for it can be seen in the international section of the Moscow biennale. Plans for the extension of old Poundberry were put on display by Britain. They and blueprints for construction ventures in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Utrecht, and Helsinki can also be seen in the international section. A modern view of urban development is supplemented by a bit of history. An exhibit of communal housing units of the 1930’s highlights masterpieces of Russian constructivism. It shows how people’s vision of an ideal way of life has changed in less than a hundred years.

30 May 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27735&cid=62&p=30.05.2008 (in English)

Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (1948- ), NATO Secretary General

The Kosovo problem remains a sore point in relations between the United Nations, NATO, and the European Union. It was a central topic at a meeting of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in New York on Wednesday. The key issue is who should take responsibility for the situation in the region where Albanian separatists unilaterally proclaimed independence. Under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, a UN mission in Kosovo governs that Serbian region. Nonetheless, with the support of the USA, the EU claims the right to send its own mission there.

In the opinion of Pavel Kandel, an expert at the Institute of Europe, “According to the EU, its mission should take over the functions of the UN mission. In such a way, supervision over the region will be transferred from the UN to the EU. As this decision was taken in circumvention of the UN, it cannot be seen as legal”. 

A 2,000-member mission from the EU, however, is being deployed in Kosovo, comprising policemen, lawyers, and officials. The deployment is expected to be completed by 15 June, the deadline for adopting the Kosovo Constitution. Some 300 members of the EU mission have already arrived in Kosovo. Yet, they did not get down to work, since they lack both infrastructure and clearly defined duties. Serbia and many other countries not recognising the UDI of Kosovo regard the deployment of the EU mission in Kosovo as violation of international law. 

Under the circumstances, EU leaders are searching for a pretext to legalise the presence of the EU mission in Kosovo. Recently, there was talk that the EU mission can act under UN aegis. Notably, the head of the UN mission, Joachim Rücker, came up with the proposal. What is required, however, is the consent of the UN Security Council. So far, it has not been given.

29 May 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27683&cid=67&p=29.05.2008 (in English)

Dmitri Rogozin (1963- ), Russian Representative to NATO

Does a European Union mission being deployed currently in Kosovo comply with international law? Vladimir Chuzhov, the Russian Representative to the European Communities in Brussels expressed his viewpoint on the issue in an interview for the Moscow-based newspaper Vremya Novostey (Current News). He said that Russia has nothing against the EU playing a restricted role in the Kosovo settlement and sending a mission to Kosovo on a legitimate basis. But, this requires a special resolution of the UN Security Council. 

Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking a unilateral deal with the UN to hand over the mandate of the UN Transitional Authority in Kosovo to EU representatives. But, this cannot happen unless it is approved by the UN Security Council and Serbia. The unilateral declaration of independence by Albanian separatists in Kosovo changes nothing. The functions of the EU mission are unclear. If it focuses on maintaining law and order in Kosovo… that’s one thing. But, if it’s used as a tool to prop up Kosovo’s independence… that’s quite a different thing. Considering that leading EU countries have already recognised Kosovo, the latter option seems more likely. But, this clashes with the aims and tasks of the international presence in the region, let alone the fact that issues pertaining to the recognition of Kosovo are within the competence of the Untied Nations and not within that of the European Union. 

Dmitri Rogozin, the Russian Representative to NATO, warns that developments in Kosovo may provoke a chain reaction in other regions of Europe. What will the consequences of Kosovo’s independence be? But, it’s already clear to everyone. We will witness a spontaneous recognition of all sorts of independent republics. If Kosovo can become independent, then, why can’t the Basque provinces, Corsica, or Abkhazia follow suit? At present, there are about 200 similar “hot spots” throughout the world where ethnic conflicts are simmering. For many of them, the events in Kosovo may become a signal for action. 

29 May 2008

Yevgeny Kryshkin

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=27766&cid=67&p=30.05.2008 (in English) 

Editor’s Note:

I had a pro-Bush commenter remark recently that most of the world had recognised Kosovo. Not so. In fact, with Russian and Chinese vetoes certain in the UN Security Council, the recognition of the legitimacy of the UDI of Kosovo is a non-starter under both the letter and the spirit of international law. George W Bush and his running-dog-lackey Condoleezza Rice have failed. Kosovo cannot become a member of the UN or any body affiliated with it. It cannot become a member of the EU, for Spain would veto it, at the least (the recognition of the illegal UDI of Kosovo would be a green-light to Basque terrorists and Catalan separatists).

In short, Kosovo is an American-created puppet-state, propped up solely by neocon rhetoric (pure wind). In fact, the Americans are paying for their stupidity. A patriotic coalition led by Vojislav Kostunica and Tomislav Ilic has come to power in Belgrade, mainly due to (rightful) Serbian ire at unwarranted American interference in the region. Bush slit the throats of his Serbian allies. Congratulations, GWB!

Prime Minister Putin and President Medvedev have made it clear that no independent Kosovo shall be tolerated under any circumstance. In any case, the US army is so war-weary and over-stretched, it is unable to intervene and prop up this fictive entity.   

Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis (1928- ), First Hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (EP)

On Wednesday, 28 May, Archbishop Demetrios Trakatellis of America (EP) and his official delegation concluded their official visit to the Moscow Patriarchate (MP) by visiting two of the most famous monasteries in Moscow. The evening before their departure, the archbishop and his staff were received by Mayor Yuri Luzhkov of Moscow, who has served in the post since his appointment in June 1992.

The state reception was at the mayor’s official residence, a 200-year-old building located just a short walk from the Kremlin. Vice Mayor Valery Vinogradov welcomed Archbishop Demetrios and introduced him and his entourage to the mayor. Then, Mayor Luzhkov, accompanied by his staff and journalists, led his guests to the ceremonial hall for the formal welcome, refreshments, and a discussion. It is worth noting that the hall is dominated by a huge icon of St George the all-Victorious (the patron saint of Moscow) and examples of Classical Greek sculpture.

In the dialogue that followed, both the mayor and the archbishop commented on the importance of the reconstruction of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, a project in which the mayor was deeply involved. Mayor Luzhkov gave Archbishop Demetrios the gift of a commemorative crystal bowl with the likeness of the Cathedral, and the archbishop reciprocated with a gift of a commemorative sliver plate from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (EP).

The following day, before they departed Moscow, the archbishop and his assistants were received at the Daniilovsky and Donskoy Monasteries, two of the most important in Moscow. The Daniilovsky Monastir, or St Daniel Monastery, is the oldest monastic house in Moscow. The archbishop was met there by its superior, Archimandrite Aleksei, and he was given a tour of the monastery complex (the headquarters of the MP: editor’s note). After the visit, the delegation went to the Donskoy Monastery, which houses the relics of Patriarch St Tikhon of Moscow the New Martyr, who was the Orthodox primate of North America in the early 1900s.

The archbishop, and those with him, accompanied by clergy of the MP, was greeted by Bishop Aleksandr of Mitrof (?) and the Abbot of the monastery, and members of the brotherhood. Archbishop Demetrios was given a gift of flowers. The archbishop was escorted into the main church, where a molieben of thanksgiving was served before the relics of St Tikhon of Moscow. Following the service, the archbishop was given a tour of the famous Donskoy Monastery Cemetery, which includes the tombs of 19^th century Pontian Greeks. He was also shown the surviving marble high reliefs from the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which was dynamited by the communists under the orders of Kaganovich in 1931.

After the tour of the monastery was over, the archbishop was accompanied to the airport by Bishop Aleksandr and representatives of the MP.   

29 May 2008

Worldwide Faith News

http://www.wfn.org/2008/05/msg00282.html (in English)

Editor’s Note:

I shall content myself with saying that the upcoming Archbishop’s Sobor of the MP, to be held in June, has the keynote theme of “unity”. Hmm…

Russian pop star Dima Bilan (1981- ) won the Eurovision Song Contest last Saturday, 24 May, over 24 other contestants.

Bilan received 272 votes, and was assisted on stage by Hungarian violinist Edvin Marton and Russian Olympic ice skater Yevgeny Plyushchenko.

Ani Lorak from the Ukraine was second with 230 votes and Kalomira from Greece was third with 218.

On stage in Belgrade last Saturday.

Next year, Russia shall host the Eurovision contest.

RUSSIA’S THE ONE! La Russophobe can put this in their hillbilly moron crack-pipe and smoke it!

Dima sings Believe Me.

VIVAT ROSSIYA! VIVAT DIMA! A great night for all concerned.

Dima Bilan website (you can download the song Believe Me there):

http://bilandima.ru/enghtml/ (in English)

Part Three of The Faces of Holiness covers the Orthodoxy brought to America by the Russian immigrants. In many ways, most of us have preserved the traditions and practises of Holy Russia in America. The numbers of those who wish to move us in a Protestant direction are small, thank God, and they are not representative. Most of us wish to be reunited with the Church in the homeland, for Russia is a bastion of Christianity (some believe it to the last such remaining), whereas America is the foremost stronghold of atheist Positivism, an exact flip-flop from twenty years ago.

If you look at these photos, presented without commentary, you shall see that we are definitely “Russian Orthodox”, no matter what some pseudo-intellectuals and converts think. The call of the blood is strong… the call of the New Martyrs and the call of our departed ancestors. Moscow is calling… we should listen.

*****

*****

There’s no place like home… shouldn’t we start back today?

Vara Drezhlo

Friday 30 May 2008        

The Faces of Holy Russia gave me an idea. It is going to form part of triptych, The Faces of Holiness. This second panel of the ensemble focuses on the Russian Orthodox Diocese of Alaska and its predominately native faithful.

Russian missionaries brought Orthodoxy to Alaska when it was known as Russian America, in the 19^th century. Some practises of the Alaska Church are unique, but, that is not uncommon in the Orthodox oikumene. They are organic growths of the Faith that matured over the two centuries that Orthodoxy has lived in the Alaskan soil. Unlike some other “growths”, which are the mere notions of intellectuals, the customs found in Alaska are the result of the Faith lived by good and simple people with pure hearts.

You see, they live in a seemingly-harsh environment that they love (for it is THE LAND). They belong there (for they are THE PEOPLE). They have a rootedness lacking in American suburbanites (for where they live is THE PLACE). The lack of modern “amenities” does not bother most (for that is the way of it in THE LIFE). Most of all, they have a clear belief in God and His bounties (for such is THE FAITH).

No, we are not speaking of a pastoral idyll. The native people have their problems and sins to grapple with, as all of us do. They are neither “saintly savages” nor “drunken injuns”. Rather, they are ordinary folks who live a distinct and special life amongst the rays of the Northern Lights. This is my tribute to them and their Faith. They have wandered the least from ordinary Orthodoxy (if they have wandered at all) of anyone in the OCA. They deserve to lead the Church back home… they have earned it.

*****

*****

These are people whom God has tested…. they have proved their mettle. May God preserve these lovely folks.

Bog blagoslovit.

Vara Drezhlo

Friday 30 May 2008   

There has been some interesting, albeit uninformed and inaccurate, posting on OCAnews.org in the comments section. I believe that it is time to set the record straight. I have removed the names of the commenters (if given), for these people are private individuals and deserve to have their anonymity protected. In addition, by doing so, I avoid making personal comments. This means that any disagreement expressed is against an idea (ad rem), not against a person (ad hominem). I would advise Mr Stokoe to remove names from the comments on his site, for the nastiness of the Syosset/SVS mafia is legendary. It is the best thing he could do for his audience (besides being common courtesy).

These comments are indicative of the notions and fairy-tales circulating amongst OCA “true-believers” at present. One should note that the readership of this site is unrepresentative of the whole, being biased towards clergy, Anglo-Saxon converts, and an older crowd that came of age in the “silly ‘60s”. Caveat auditor.

***** 

Post 1:  

At the 2004 Evangelization Conference, Father Jonathan Ivanoff (OCA, Department of Evangelization) briefed that “The OCA in the continental US has been declining between 6 and 9% for nearly 20 years. The OCA’s Census population in 1994 was 29,775; in 2004 it stood at 27,169. And this is just in the continental U.S., not including Alaska, Canada or the ethnic dioceses.”

“Some more statistics: In the past ten years, 177 parishes have declined in membership or have had flat (i.e., no) growth. Of this number, 148 parishes declined in double digits. Collectively, this represents a loss of 6,129 people, while those churches that are gaining in membership showed an increase of 2,960 people (note: remember, these figures represent adults only).”

“We are not reaching America! While the overall American population has increased by 11% from 1990 to 2000, the OCA’s reported membership declined by 13%.”

According to the 2006 edition of the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, the OCA has 1,064,000 members, an increase of 6.4 percent from 2005. This figure places the OCA as the 24th largest Christian denomination in the United States, and second to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It should be noted that these figures were self-reported. However, a study by Alexei D. Krindatch of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute, performed in 2000, presented a substantially lower figure—115,100 adherents (baptized Orthodox who attend services on at least an occasional basis and their children) and 39,400 full members (persons older than 18, paying annual Church membership fees). If you take out the Albanian, Bulgarian and Romanian numbers, the figures are very much in line with Father Ivanoff’s: 29,600 full members (and 76,000 adherents).

Incidentally, the Krindatch study showed 41,840 full members and 83,700 adherents in the Antiochian Archdiocese, the fastest growing Orthodox body in America. This makes the Antiochians the second largest Orthodox body behind the Greek Archdiocese.

Reply:

Firstly, Professor Krindatch is not an employee of the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute. He is a Moscow-based member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, working at the Institute of Geography, Centre for Geopolitical Studies. The inaccurate attribution comes from a poorly-researched and badly-written article in Wikipedia on the OCA. It looks like the EP is up to its usual tricks in taking credit for things that they did not initiate or finance. I repeat, this EP centre did not commission the study; it merely placed it up on its website, something entirely different.

Also, note that Mr Ivanoff supposedly issued his figures in 2004. Why was he silent when the OCA issued false figures in 2006? He is no hero, he is complicit in the Syosset cover-up, and he is silent when it is convenient for him. I would say that 27,169 is not 1,064,000! In other words, Mr Ivanoff is an opportunistic apparatchik looking to preserve his pay packet. When one looks at his photo on the OCA website, one sees a very non-Orthodox figure that looks like an Anglican. That is not unimportant.

You see, Mr Ivanoff did not release his figures to the public in 2004. If he knew the truth, he had an obligation to speak. He did not, for that would have put his situation in jeopardy, and “it doesn’t matter how many Orthodox there are” (a statement I heard Peter Gillquist make once). In any case, Mr Ivanoff’s figures do not add up, they are valueless as a result.

For example, he said that that there was a gross loss of 6,129 and a gross gain of 2,960, resulting in a net loss of 3,169. 3,169 subtracted from 29,775 is 26,606 not 27,169. A 13 percent loss from 29,775 results in 25,904, not 27,169. In short, these figures are something “the blacksmith’s apprentice ran up whilst the smith was out”. GIGO.

If the OCA has declining some 6 to 9 percent (per annum?) for the last 20 years, why has this not been addressed at the OCA sobors? I would say that such a haemorrhage deserved discussion, and Mr Ivanoff had the obligation to bring it up. He remained silent, so, by silence, he was complicit in the cover-up. He proved himself unworthy of any position of trust by this. Was he afraid of Leonid Kishkovsky and the SVS mafia?

This comment shows the shallowness of most OCA true-believers. They are hoping that if they rearrange the deckchairs often enough, the Titanic shall stop sinking. If the Titanic sinks (which it shall do, for the breach is fatal), they shall jump to the AOCANA, which shall only accelerate that body’s departure from normal and ordinary Orthodox standards and traditions (any group that has a layman as its Chancellor is only Orthodox in name, unfortunately).     

*****

Post 2:

Professor Meyendorff submitted some time ago that at the AAC in November, all of the current hierarchs submit their resignations. Then, each diocese on the floor, either re-vote their hierarch in or out. If out, then new candidates be submitted for a vote at the AAC or after. Same for the Metropolitan. Well, how about this same action be a MANDATORY act every 4 years at every AAC? Then, like a bad President, he’s only in for 4 years. Those released can either serve a parish, go to a monastery or retire (with limited benefits).

Reply:

This is monstrous. It is an advocacy of pure Protestantism. The bishops do not serve at the whim of the mob. This is a clear illustration of how deeply many are infected with American Protestantism and Positivism. No matter if one likes it or not, Orthodoxy is diametrically opposed to American “democratic” whims and notions. A “new world” needs to be born in the heart of a convert in order for them to truly enter into the Church’s mindset. This takes about ten years, per the statement of a wise Dutch nun, herself a convert. Many are ordained before this “seasoning” is complete, and even more are unwise enough to read theology whilst they are still neophytes. Is there any wonder that prelest walks proudly amongst us?

*****

Post 3:

To make matters worse, it is not just the OCA that is in crisis, but most of the Orthodox world as well. After some 1,700 years of woefully accepting Satan’s offer, which our Lord rejected in the desert, the alliance of Church and State is back in vogue in Russia and elsewhere. As much as I admire Mark Harrison, I reject his notion that Russia, or the Old World, have much to offer as an example to North America at this time and at this place in history. At least we practice what should be the cardinal Christian virtues of religious freedom and respect for its corollary–Free Will. And however imperfectly, we place a high value on Truth and ascertaining the truth above all else. Sadly, the Church frequently hasn’t, albeit in the name of some greater good (how pathetic).

Reply:

This is a statement that the small band of OCA stalwarts are the last “true Orthodox” left in the world. All others are compromised by their “collaboration” with the “world”. Note well that no examples are given. “And however imperfectly, we place a high value on Truth and ascertaining the truth above all else”. What bilious rot. This person is placing themselves up as a judge of all other Orthodox. I would say rather that people such as Patriarch Aleksei Rediger, Archbishop Vikenty of Yekaterinburg, Fr Vsevolod Chaplin, and Deacon Andrei Kuraev work with the authorities so that the Word of Christ can shine forth. What is wrong in that? This is a person who believes in Positivism and “democracy”, not Orthodoxy. Russia has much to offer to America. In particular, it offers a time-tested and venerable tradition of lived Orthodoxy lacking in most American converts. I would ask, “Where is the American Butovo Field?” There is none. Americans have not shed their blood for Christ, Russians have. That DOES end the discussion.

By the way, do NOT bring up St Peter the Aleut the New Martyr. He was murdered by the Franciscans before either Alaska or California were part of the USA. In this particular sense, in this discussion, he belongs ONLY to the native people of Alaska, so, Syosset cannot trot him out as an example of “American” martyrdom. He is the pre-eminent saint of the ALASKAN Church, which has always had a distinct identity from the “lower 48″ OCA. To use him in such a way is blasphemy.

*****

Post 4:

You are so right about the Orthodox Church in Russia. I have a Serbian friend/doctor who has spoken of how often the Patriarch meets w/Putin. I also like to read some of the Russian Orthodox web sites and they are always having articles/pictures of the Patriarch with Putin - and a lot of times hosted at the Patriarch’s residence. I’m sure the Patriarch is walking a fine line trying to restore Orthodoxy to its former glory in Russia but I just hope he isn’t sacrificing integrity w/Putin.

Reply:

Why shouldn’t the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia have a close relationship with the secular ruler of Russia? After all, Vladimir Vladimirovich is a sincere Orthodox Christian, as is his wife Ludmilla. This person is attacking an Orthodox archpastor for cooperating with an Orthodox statesman, one who is considered in most of the world both a better leader and better human being than the amoral monster George W Bush. In any case, as Orthodox, we believe that there is a symphonia between the Church and the state. They work together closely and in concord, each in its own sphere. We are not papists who arrogantly assert that the Church is “above” the state.

*****

There one has it. Amazing, ain’t it? Instead of making a text reply, I would like you to look at the following photo-essay, The Faces of Holy Russia. If you do not wish to be part of the healthy Church of Russia, I suggest strongly that you go to the loopy Angliochians. There, you can experiment to your heart’s content, and indulge in your desire to be an American Protestant in all but name. THAT is the choice laid before us.

You may stand with Russia, or you may stand for Protestantism, Positivism, “Democracy”, and Uniatism. It is that simple.

God save us all.

Vara Drezhlo

Friday 30 May 2008