The Annunciation (Irina Kolbneva, 2000s)

Here is a secular artist's interpretation of a standard iconographic scene.

Assumption Cathedral of the Kievo-Pecherskogo Lavra, Kiev, one of the oldest Russian monasteries

Kiev, 26 July 2008 (Interfax):

Orthodox believers gave an enthusiastic welcome to Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia upon his arrival in Kiev on Saturday after a flight from Moscow, according to our Interfax-Religion correspondent. The streets adjacent to the Kievo-Pecherskogo Lavra were choked with people waiting for His Holiness to arrive. When the Patriarch's motorcade came into view, the crowd began to chant loudly, "Aleksei II… our patriarch!"

The crowd held religious banners, white-blue-red Russian tricolours, and the black-gold-silver flag of the Romanov imperial house, and the majority of those present held large portraits of the patriarch. Some held holding reading, "Autocephaly, go to hell!", "One Triune Russia, One Indivisible Church!" ("Triune Russia": the union of Russia, the Ukraine, and Belarus), and "Aleksei II, Our Patriarch”.

When Patriarch Aleksei left the car and walked to the gates of the monastery, people threw flowers at his feet. As the bells of the monastery rang continuously, the patriarch walked through the grounds of the Lavra followed by the members of the Holy Synod of the MP, and bishops and clergy of the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church (MP). Applause spontaneously erupted, people stood on tip-toe trying to catch a glimpse of His Holiness, many took photographs of the delegation, and a woman gave Patriarch Aleksei an enormous bouquet of white flowers.

A sustained ovation broke out when the patriarch ascended the steps of a platform set up in the square in front of the monastery's main cathedral. The Patriarch and Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and all the Ukraine (the First Hierarch of the UAOC (MP)) served a molieben asking the intercessions of all the saints glorified in the Kievo-Pecherskogo Lavra.

On Saturday, Patriarch Aleksei came to Kiev to take part in the celebrations honouring the 1,020^th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. At his arrival, he called all Russians and Ukrainians to preserve the unity of the Orthodox faith. “We are here so that amity and unity would be amongst us”, His Holiness said as he deplaned from his airliner at Kiev Borispol Airport. He called all Orthodox believers to “cherish this great gift of unity, to treasure our unity as fraternal Slavic peoples”

Interfax-Religion

http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=25718 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

Interfax! Fire this unpatriotic dweeb! They not only weakened the intensity of this piece, they used language appropriate to a Galician Uniate, not a true-blue red-blooded Russian Orthodox Christian. “Moscow-controlled Ukrainian Orthodox Church”, indeed! It is the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church of the MP, get it right! It is spelled “Kiev”, not “Kyiv”, and no amount of Galician Uniate temper tantrums is going to change that fact. To top it all, it was not only botched, but, incomplete, yet again. 

Here is the URL for the original botched English translation:

http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5000 (in English)

When I was reading the original Interfax translation, I noticed that the tone wasn’t right. It had the feel of papist propaganda, such as Asia News. Talking about that tainted source, it claims that Bart has won the whole banana; it is only a matter of time before there is an “autocephalous” “Ukrainian” church, and how Bart & Co hate nationalism. I see… that is why they appoint a Greek who doesn’t speak the local lingo to be “bishop” in Estonia! It had all the earmarks of one of Ioannis Zizoulas’ nasty little missives. I tell my RC friends truly, don’t be taken in by such rubbish. All it shall do is tick us Russians off immensely, and Benedict’s little scheme of meeting Aleksei will go down the chute, permanently.  

His Holiness Aleksei Mikhailovich Rediger (1929- ), Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, First Hierarch of the MP, a modern apostle of Church Unity. May God preserve him!

Kiev, 26 July 2008 (RIA-Novosti):

Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia made a plea for all the peoples of Russia, the Ukraine, and Byelorussia to treasure their spiritual unity as he arrived in Kiev for the celebration of 1,020^th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. “It is necessary for us to cherish this great gift of unity, to treasure our unity as fraternal Slavic peoples”, Patriarch Aleksei said at a press conference after his deplaning at Borispol Airport in Kiev. “We are here so that amity and unity would be amongst us”, he noted. Then, Patriarch Aleksei greeted all Orthodox Christians in the Ukraine and all the people of Kiev with the joy of the anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. “Without prompting, our thoughts pass to that event that happened 1,020 years ago, the baptism of the Kievans in the Dnepr”, he said.

His Holiness recalled that 20 years ago the Millennium of the Baptism of Russia was celebrated, and, after reflecting on the last 20 years, it is obvious to everyone that church life has radically changed, and multitudes have come to the faith. He thinks that it necessary for all of us to thank the Lord for the fact that the Slavic peoples who were baptized in the common Kiev font preserved their spiritual unity. The patriarch emphasised that most Orthodox believers in the Ukraine, in Russia, and in Byelorussia realise the significance of this anniversary of the Baptism of Russia. “I am glad that on the feastday of Holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir that I am going to help serve the Divine Liturgy at the Kievo-Pecherskogo Lavra, and I shall thank the Lord for all His Graces and I shall pray that God’s Blessings would stay with all of us so that we could preserve the most precious gift of all, our Holy Orthodox Faith”, Patriarch Aleksei concluded.

RIA-Novosti

http://www.rian.ru/society/religion/20080726/114987593.html (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

It is important to note who was NOT at the airport to greet His Holiness. Yushchenko was not there. That khokhol was squiring Bartholomew about town, showing him a portrait of the convicted OUN murderer (and SS-Sturmbannführer) Roman Shukhevich, saying (God, help us!) that such people were the “salt of the earth”.

Two world-views are colliding in Kiev. One is that of Prince of this World, as typified by Yushchenko and Bartholomew. Yushchenko glorifies those who voluntarily joined the Nazi cause, whilst Bartholomew bows in adoration before the Pope of Rome. Which is worse? Do you wish to be hung or shot? One is still dead... Both wish to create an artificial “church” that is to be founded on the basis of violence and subservience to the state and to Rome.

The other is that of the Church of Christ, of the Church of the Assembly of All the Saints that Shone Forth in the Russian Land and the Assembly of the New Martyrs of the Bolshevik Yoke. Grand Prince St Vladimir of Kiev was the first amongst all the Russian Saints, and Metropolitan St Vladimir of Kiev was the Protomartyr of the Bolshevik Persecution. Therefore, it is going win through in the end, I think, although it may have to pass the fire in order to do so.

There are those who call His Holiness “Drozdov”… I remind them that their “leader” is a deposed cleric who was anathematised for sufficient reason, and the only reason he proclaimed himself “Patriarch of Kiev” is that the MP had the good-sense to reject him.  

Things are not proceeding well, but, there is a while yet left to go in this enterprise. The Cossack bodyguards of Metropolitan Vladimir should watch over His Holiness with care, for there are many unstable sorts amongst the Orangies and Uniates.

God watch over and protect our Holy Patriarch. He has stepped knowingly into his enemies’ citadel. That takes GUTS.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko (1954- ) with Patriarch Bartholomew of Istanbul (1940- ) of the EP. Is this an incipient schism in the offing. God help us all, these two are Uniates in all but name. 

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko asked the Ecumenical Patriarch on Saturday to give his blessing his plans for a national church independent of the MP. The president's request to Bartholomew, who is in Kiev for celebrations marking the 1,020th anniversary of the adoption of Orthodox Christianity in Kievan Russia, is likely to further anger Russia, which has resisted the plans of some in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to break away from the MP.

"I believe that a national self-governing church will emerge in the Ukraine, and I ask your holiness for your blessing for our dreams, for truth, for hope, for our country”, Yushchenko told the Orthodox spiritual leader (sic) at a service in the capital. The patriarch did not directly comment on the issue, but spoke of "maintaining church unity". A rival Ukrainian church was formed after the break-up of the Soviet Union. However, only the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church (MP), which is part of the MP, is recognised in world Orthodoxy.

Russia has been angered by attempts to sideline the MP in the present celebrations in the Ukraine, and the removal of posters depicting Patriarch Aleksei II of Moscow and all Russia, who will be arriving in Kiev later on Saturday. On Friday, the Foreign Ministry summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to protest against the "lack of respect" being shown in the Ukraine to the MP and its millions of believers. Kiev Patriarchy (a rebel schismatic body led by a deposed and anathematised MP cleric: editor’s note) officials have recently stepped up contacts with the EP, seeking "to return the Ukraine to the Mother Church”. The drive has been actively backed by President Yushchenko and other top officials against a backdrop of tensions in relations with Russia.

The Christianisation of Kiev dates from late 988, when Prince St Vladimir the Great was baptised at Chersonesos, in the Crimea. He then baptised his family and people in Kiev and destroyed the wooden statues of Slavic pagan gods.

26 July 2008

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080726/114982557.html (in English)

Editor’s Note:

It is still too early in the game for any optimism. As Yogi Berra said, “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over”. It is not over yet. This is a good first move, but, Bart is on Yushchenko’s home court. As another saying has it, “It ain’t over until the fat lady sings”. I am waiting for the final aria…

Russian specialists in the Space Mission Control Centre near Moscow successfully adjusted the orbit of the International Space Station with the help of the European cargo spacecraft Jules Verne. The new orbit is optimal for the station’s rendezvous with Russian Progress ATVs and manned Soyuz vehicles. 

24 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30068&cid=87&p=24.07.2008 (in English)

Scientists to view solar eclipse in the Altai

Scientists from Russia, France, Britain, Angola, Georgia, and Iran have arrived in the Altai region in southern Siberia to observe a solar eclipse due to occur on 1 August. The moon’s shadow will eclipse the solar disc at a range of 250 kilometres (155 miles) crossing the region from north to south and then going to Mongolia and China. 

24 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30068&cid=87&p=24.07.2008 (in English)

Archaeologists to study early human settlements in the Kuriles

Ainu elders in the mid-19th century, they were the indigenous people in the Kuriles

A group of Russian, American, and Japanese archaeologists has landed on the island of Kharimkotan of the Kurile archipelago. The first people to set foot on this deserted island in years, the scientists are searching for traces of ancient settlements and will visit several more islands, which were presumably inhabited by humans in the first and second millenniums AD. 

24 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30068&cid=87&p=24.07.2008 (in English)

Russia’s reserves abroad reached a new record high

Russia’s reserves abroad have reached a new record high of 588.3 billion dollars (13.749 trillion roubles. 374.571 billion euros. 295.15 billion UK pounds). In the past week alone they have increased by 10 billion dollars (233.72 billion roubles. 6.367 billion euros. 5.07 billion UK pounds), as the Central Bank of Russia reported. In terms of its reserves abroad Russia is on the list of world leaders.

24 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30076&cid=46&p=24.07.2008 (in English)

Chapel to honour war dead near Murmansk

Soviet naval infantry on the Rybachi Peninsula

An Orthodox chapel has been built on Rybachi Peninsula in Murmansk oblast.  This site was occupied by a military hospital during the Great Patriotic War. Fierce fighting raged on the Musta-Tunturi Ridge nearby. Every day brought numerous wounded and many killed. The Red Army soldiers were buried in common graves not far from the hospital. Several years ago, the graves were discovered and restored by members of the “Vympel” veteran group. Mikhail Shlianin is the Chairman of the organisation, an he said, “Special task force troops from the Federal Security Service have training exercises in different areas, including Rybachi. It was during one of those exercises that the remains of about 300 Soviet naval infantry soldiers were discovered. Their identities have all been established and the documents are stored in our army unit. The graves were in poor condition, so, we’ve put them in good order in memory of those fallen”. 

The idea of building a chapel occurred to the special task corps and “Vympel” veterans later. The dome and log-hut were made in Murmansk and Revde in the Murmansk oblast and were delivered by helicopter and trucks. The chapel is now ready for consecration, which is scheduled for 22 July. The ceremony will be conducted by Archbishop Simon of Murmansk and Monchegorsk. Next year, “Vympel” members are planning to build another chapel right on top of the Musta-Tunturi Ridge to commemorate the Northern Fleet naval infantry who were killed while storming the Nazi fortifications. 

25 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30105&cid=48&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Novgorod Veliki: computer skills for the elderly

Grandparents in Novgorod Veliki are passing school exams along with their grandchildren. But, unlike the kids they are examined in basic computer skills only. More than one hundred elderly people in Novgorod Veliki expressed a desire to acquire computer-literacy. The free courses, organised by the “Maxima-Development” Education Centre as part of the social project “Kind Heart”, opened their doors in several schools in different districts. The organisers originally thought of medical, psychological, legal, and financial assistance and computer skills were offered as an extra. The reaction, however, surpassed their expectations. 

Some joined out of loneliness, some, out of curiosity. Nikolai Ponomarev’s interest is of a professional nature. “The computer is a wonderful invention, I worked with smart machines all my life, and I never thought they would progress that much when I retired. Even science-fiction authors couldn’t predict that!” 79-year-old Dina Burygina developed a passion for computer design and is drawing fancy matroshka dolls in bright clothes. The employees of “Maxima-Development” are now busy devising new programmes for the elderly that would help them make virtual excursions to different landmarks. 

25 July 2008

Lyubov Olar

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30102&cid=48&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Russia helds remembrance ceremonies for actor, poet and singer Vladimir Vysotsky

Vladimir Vysotsky (1938-80), famous Russian bard singer of the 60s and 70s

Russia is holding remembrance ceremonies today for the actor, poet, and singer songwriter Vladimir Vysotsky, whose death at the age of 42 some 28 years ago threw masses across the country into mourning. Although banned from the official stage in Soviet days, Vysotsky became a national icon, with the records of his songs in a husky voice bordering on a scream playing in every household. His songs are equally moving and loved to this day. Many cities across Russia are holding remembrance events and the city of Volgograd is hosting an International Festival of Singer Songwriters named after Vysotsky.

25 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30130&cid=48&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Estonian veterans of the Nazi SS held reunion

Nazi memorial unveiled in Lihua in 2004. An international outcry forced its removal after 9 days. 100,000 Estonians willingly served the Nazis during World War II. This is a blot on Estonia that cannot be effaced.

Estonian veterans of the Nazi SS are holding a reunion Saturday to mark 64 years since first engaging the Soviet Red Army on 29 July 1944. Russian politicians urge the European Union to investigate the jamboree as a gross violation of decisions of the post-war tribunal in Nürnberg. The tribunal classified the SS as a criminal organisation. 

25 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30141&cid=48&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

Reflect on the fact that the Estonian government pays pensions to these monsters for their Nazi service. Ponder further on the fact that Bush and Rice support such an enormity. It is an insult to the American war dead of the Second World War. For shame!

Crimean capital bans 'dangerous' moves by NATO

The legislative assembly of the Crimean capital of Simferopol declared Simferopol a NATO-free zone. Crimea is a peninsula in the southern Ukraine that was part of Russia until 1954. The lawmakers have banned all potentially dangerously moves by military and other contingents of NATO in the city of Simferopol. The Sea Breeze 2008 NATO exercise is widely protested in the Crimea. 

25 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30109&cid=45&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Europe is tired of the Russophobia of the Latvian government

“Latvian Legion Day” on 16 March 2008, to honour the Latvian SS. It is approved by the Latvian and US governments. FOR SHAME! Over 100,000 Latvians willingly served the Nazis.

Europe is tired of the Russophobia of the Latvian government. Sergei Makarov, a member of the RF Gosduma legislation committee, said that a verdict by the European Human Rights Court that supported the appeal of Vasili Kononov, a veteran of the Second World War, was a moral victory of the Russian-speaking community over the nationalist Latvian régime. Mr Kononov was arrested by the Latvian government in 1998 on trumped-up charges of committing war crimes, that is, he led a partisan operation to eliminate several Nazi collaborators. The European Court rejected the argumentation of the Latvian side, who tried to justify the prosecution of the 85-year-old veteran by citing the Soviet occupation of Latvia.

26 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30150&cid=45&p=26.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

Estonia and Latvia are two peas shucked from the same pod. The US supports both, in opposition to common decency. Is anti-Russian prejudice and hatred so important to Bush and Rice? Russia is not perfect, but, at least, we did not help the Nazis stuff the poor Jews into the ovens as many Latvians and Estonians did (as did many Galicians as well, I might add). Their blood cries for vengeance. Again, for shame!

Voice of Russia World Service

Russian polar station SP-36 to start work in September

Wrangel Island

The Russian drift-ice station North Pole-36 (SP-36) will start operating in early September, the hydrometeorology service's Arctic and Antarctic research institute said Tuesday. "Monitoring of the ice situation for an assessment of area where the SP-36 could be located has been continuing since June. Analysis of satellite data during this period has made it possible to preliminarily define the possible location of permafrost ice masses to the north of the Wrangel Island”, press secretary Sergei Balyasnikov said.

Whilst in its current location, in the central part of the Arctic basin near the Mendeleyev underwater chain, the station will be searching for the ice masses. The last drifting station SP-35, which opened in September 2007, ended its operation in July. It covered over 2,500 kilometres (1,554 miles). The work of Russian drifting stations is aimed at conducting year-round meteorological, ice, and oceanographic observations, and monitoring of environmental conditions. Stations also research the effects of climatic change in the Central Arctic and the impact on the region's ecosystems.

22 July 2008

http://en.rian.ru/science/20080722/114639687.html (in English)

RIA-Novosti

Vitaly Churkin (1952- ), Russian UN Ambassador

Moscow shall not agree to the reconfiguration of the UN Mission to Kosovo without UN Security Council approval. UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin stated this in an address to a UN Security Council meeting devoted to a Kosovo settlement on Friday. Another report by the UN Secretary-General on the UN Mission to Kosovo provisional administration was presented to the meeting. The 26-page report is very pessimistic. Ban Ki-moon insists that the UN mission has failed to fulfil its task. Pristina has practically usurped the powers of the UN mission. Consequently, Ban Ki-moon concludes that there is a need for reorganising the mission by strengthening the role of the European Union. 

Russia understands fully the EU’s determination to play an influential role in Kosovo. However, this has to be done on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, rather than unilaterally, as is done now. Mr Churkin is convinced that any move that is not approved by the Security Council violates the UN Charter. Mr Churkin said that the UN Secretary General has clearly exceeded his authority since this concerns the fulfilment of a fundamental decision by the Security Council, Resolution 1244. A comparison of the texts of Resolution 1244 and the report by the Secretary-General shows with utter clarity that his formulations in several cases differ from those of the resolution, Mr Churkin said. 

A drive for legalising a structure that will actualise the so-called Ahtisaari plan can be seen behind the destruction of the present format of international presence. The plan failed to win the approval of the UN Security Council. If the UN Mission to Kosovo leaves the Serbian enclaves in the south of the province under the pretext of reconfiguration, an escalation of tension in the region cannot be avoided. Speaking to the UN Security Council meeting, Mr Churkin urged the UN Secretary-General to hold consultations with all parties and the members of the international community that are interested in the issue. At the same time, the Secretary-General should use the readiness of the Serbian leaders for a dialogue with the United Nations to find a formulation of the reconfiguration of the mission acceptable to Belgrade. The UN Security Council could approve this. Addressing the meeting, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić confirmed his readiness for such a dialogue. 

Clearly, real progress in contacts between the UN and Serbia on Kosovo, including reconfiguration of the mission, would significantly defuse the situation and at the same time remain true to Resolution 1244. A long-term solution to the issue can be achieved only by negotiations on the basis of an agreement by all sides to honour international law and the prerogatives of the United Nations. To this end, the Russian proposal was supported by China, Libya, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Africa. 

26 July 2008

Konstantin Garibov

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=78188&cid=19&p=26.07.2008 (in Russian)

The Rebirth of the Russian Fleet (V Pechatin, 1990s)

There is a site I log on to occasionally for a good laugh. It is called La Russophobe, and one can tell that the author takes themselves VERY seriously. As for me, I know that the next pratfall is just around the next corner, and that God has a good amount in His pocket full o' fun to keep us humble. That being said, the person who runs this site believes in something called the NEO-SOVIET UNION. Let's all tremble together in unison! OOOH! The boogeyman is gonna git ya!

Of course, that is pure bilious rot and moonshine. However, one can't argue with such sorts, not only is the position ridiculous and the pleasure transient, but, these people are IMPERVIOUS. Instead of bullet-proof armour-plated ships, they have logic-proof armour-pated (no, I did NOT misspell, I do mean "armour-pated") brains. However, I do offer this picture.

If this be the Neo-Soviet Union, I say, let there be more of such! Let's all raise a glass to the end of communism! As for the La Russophobes of this world... leave 'em be, don't waste your God-given time. ¡Salud! 

Theodore II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, the second-ranking Greek patriarch. His absence rains on Bart's parade. Good-oh!

Moscow, 25 July 2008 (Radio Radonezh):

Patriarch and Catholicos Ilya II of Georgia does not plan to go the celebrations marking the 1,020^th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia in the Ukraine, Interfax-Religion reported, citing an article in the newspaper Komersant. Instead, a delegation led by Metropolitan Gerasim of Zugdid and Tsaish shall go, the newspaper reported. Vladyki Gerasim stated, “On the days when the Kiev festivities are taking place, the Patriarch of Alexandria is visiting Georgia. This is a historical visit, of course, and has been long in the works. Thus, Patriarch Ilya’s schedule has been set for some time, and there is no way we can change it”.

Radio Radonezh

http://www.radonezh.ru/new/?ID=7781 (in Russian)

Editor’s Note:

Hmm… come into my parlour, said the spider to the fly. Originally, in Kiev, the only ruling hierarchs expected were Patriarch Aleksei and Metropolitan Vladimir. Then, Bart “summoned” all the ruling hierarchs of the Local Churches to Kiev. It looks like Bart’s little love feast is being rained upon. The heads of three of the Local Churches, Cyprus, Georgia, and Alexandria have refused his “summons”. God willing, it shall cause Black Bart to pull away from the brink. Truly, the Church does not need such a dispute, not for the sake of the parvenu Yushchenko. Gotta give the Georgians credit, they did it in such a way that Bart has to SMILE. God bless the Georgians, they did right.

The upside, well......... let me think about it for a sec....... OK OK, a second is just too long..... It's the borsch!!!!, Luda's borsch. Of coarse I miss Larisa... For her smile, sense of humor, the kisses morning and night... But her moms Borsch is to die for. To be fair, Larisa makes great Borsch too, in fact it's so tasty, my mouth is watering as I type. Every time Larisa comes back home, she always brings her mom's Borsch back with her. Maybe this food for thought is just the opportunity for another phrase....The way to a mans heart is through his stomach.... Thank heavens Larisa loves my cooking too)

The European Federation of Football Associations, UEFA, urged the German football union to prepare Germany to stage Euro-2012. The request came after a visit to the Ukraine of UEFA inspectors. The Ukraine and Poland were expected to stage the Euro-2012 together. The report by the inspectors expressed concern over the political situation in the country and calls in question the ability of Kiev to build stadiums and transport infrastructure. 

22 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29960&cid=52&p=22.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

The Ukrainians drop the ball, yet again. Combining this with Angela Merkel giving Yushchenko a “Dutch Uncle talk” on her recent visit, the opposition of France and Germany to the Ukraine’s membership in NATO, and the introduction of bread-coupons this fall (in a region that was the bread-basket of the empire and USSR!), it looks like Yushchenko is going down for the count. That is why he may do something stupid…

New ski resort in Siberia

A new all-season ski resort shall open in Siberia in January 2009. The tourist centre “Manzherok” on Mount Sinukha in the Altai Republic offers ski trails of different complexity ranks with a length of 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) and 4 lifts. 

23 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30019&cid=87&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

Russia may increase prizes for Olympic gold-winners

Russia may increase its prizes to its Olympic gold-medal-winners from 50,000 dollars (1.168 million roubles. 31,835 euros. 25,085 UK pounds) to 100,000 euros (3.67 million roubles. 157,060 USD. 78,797 UK pounds). National Olympic Committee President Leonid Tyagachov believes that the move will stimulate the athletes’ desire to win. Russia hopes to take about 80 medals during the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. 

24 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30060&cid=52&p=24.07.2008 (in English)

Russian adventures to overfly Mount Elbrus in hot-air balloon

Russian adventures started preparations for a daring adventure to overfly Mount Elbrus on a three-ton hot air balloon. The flight is to take place before September. At 5,642 metres (18,510 feet), Mount Elbrus is the highest mountain peak in Europe. It towers over the Main Caucasus Range close to Russia’s border with Georgia. 

25 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30137&cid=52&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Antarctic sailing feat honoured

Fyodor Konyukhov, Russian yachtsman and adventurer

The World Sailing Speed Record Council has registered a groundbreaking event in sailing around the Antarctic region. The 102 day, 1 hour, 35 minute and fifty second record was set by a Russian adventurer, Fyodor Konyukhov. The World Sailing Speed Record Council brings together representatives of Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. 

25 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30117&cid=87&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Voice of Russia World Service

Valuev to fight Ruiz for WBA title in Berlin on 30 August

Nikolai Valuev (1973- ), "The Beast from the East", Russian heavyweight boxing champion

Russia's Nikolai Valuev is to fight John Ruiz for the vacant WBA heavyweight title in Berlin on 30 August 30, the Russian boxer said on his website on Tuesday. The right to promote the fight was won by Sauerland Event with an offer of 2,106,401 dollars (49,230,804 roubles. 1,341,145 euros. 1,056,781 UK pounds). “Berlin is very special to me. That is where I defeated Ruiz in 2005 to become world champion. Fighting in the Max Schmeling Halle again will be like a home match”, Valuev said.

Valuev, 34, became the first Russian world heavyweight champion in December 2005 when he defeated Ruiz. In April 2007, he lost his title to Ruslan "White Tyson" Chagaev from Uzbekistan. Since then, Chagaev has held one title defence bout, and a torn Achilles tendon caused the second postponement of a mandatory challenge bout against Valuev. On 4 July, the WBA decided to sanction a bout with the Russian's closest contender, the Puerto Rican-American Ruiz. Chagaev is currently what the WBA calls a “champion in recess”, and the winner of the Valuev-Ruiz bout will have to face Chagaev before 26 June 2009, if the Uzbek manages to make a return to fitness by then.

22 July 2008

http://en.rian.ru/sports/20080722/114606060.html (in English)

Guus Hiddink to sign new improved contract with Russia

Guus Hiddink (1946- ), Dutch coach of the Russian National Football Team, an inspirational and charismatic field leader. Na mnogaya lyeta, Guus!

The Russian national side's Dutch trainer, Guus Hiddink, is set to sign a new improved contract, a top Russian football official said on Wednesday. “Hiddink has proposed a plan for the development of football in Russia. Taking this in account, the terms of his contract will be improved”, said Sergei Kapkov, the chairman of the National Football Academy and vice-president of the Russian Football Union. The National Football Academy was set up by Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich.

Kapkov said that Hiddink's new contract would see him earn more than his compatriot Dick Advocaat, the trainer of Russian champions FC Zenit St Petersburg. Advocaat is thought to earn around 4.5 million dollars (105.174 million roubles. 2.865 million euros. 2.258 million UK pounds) a year. He also said that the National Football Academy would pay the bulk of Hiddink's salary. Hiddink announced on Wednesday that he would sign a new contract in “the next 10 days”, adding that he enjoyed working in Russia, and that he wanted to assist in the further development of the sport in the largest country on earth. His previous contract expired on 14 July. Hiddink led Russia to joint third place at Euro 2008, and has been credited with inspiring a football revival in Russia. Pre-Hiddink, Russia had failed to get out of their group at every major tournament they had qualified for.

23 July 2008

http://en.rian.ru/sports/20080723/114768963.html (in English)

Russian cosmonaut and FC Zenit fan gives club captain 'cosmic' gift

A Russian cosmonaut has returned to the captain of FC Zenit St Petersburg a team shirt that recently spent some five months on board the International Space Station, the club's website reported. Yuri Malenchenko, a longtime FC Zenit fan, blasted off on a six-month mission to the International Space Centre on 10 October last year. "Before leaving, I'd been talking with a friend about Zenit's success, and he suggested I take a club symbol with me. I took a club scarf. After Zenit won the title in November, Anatoly Timoshchuk sent me his top on a cargo spacecraft”, Malenchenko said at a press-conference on Thursday. "Lots of expeditions visited us while I was on board the International Space Centre and all of them signed the shirt".

The top will be displayed in the new FC Zenit club museum. In return, club captain Timoshchuk gave the cosmonaut the gold top and boots he wore during the team's title celebrations. "The support we had both in the stadium and beyond it helped us lift the title”, said the FC Zenit captain, adding that, "I'd love to go to space myself, to look down on our planet. I guess everyone has the same dream. It takes years of preparation though”.

The 2007 season saw FC Zenit, sponsored by energy giant Gazprom, win the Russian league title for the first time, ending 11 years of domination by Moscow-based clubs. FC Zenit's only previous title success came in 1984, when they lifted the USSR Championship. The club also won the UEFA Cup in May, beating FC Glasgow Rangers in the final in Manchester.

25 July 2008

http://en.rian.ru/sports/20080725/114891747.html (in English)

China to have largest ever delegation at Beijing 2008 Olympics

Chinese President Hu Jintao (1942- ) meets with Chinese Olympians

China's largest-ever Olympic delegation will be presented at this year's Games from 8 to 24 August, the official site of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games reported Friday. The 1,099-member delegation includes 639 athletes and ensures that China will be represented in all 28 Olympic events and 38 disciplines. The average age of the athletes is 24.2, and the 29th Olympiad will be the Olympic debut for 469 Chinese athletes. China's will also be the largest team of athletes, surpassing the 596 athletes sent by the United States.

25 July 2008

http://en.rian.ru/sports/20080725/114892360.html (in English)

Editor’s Note:

Good luck to the Chinese and Russian Olympians at the games! I believe that they shall hand the overconfident and arrogant Americans a well-deserved defeat. The snotty comments I have heard regarding the Chinese and Russians in the loud Western media have to be paid back, in full, with interest.

RIA-Novosti

Boris Pasternak (1890-1960), Nobel Prize-winning poet and author

The first monument to the Nobel Prize-winning poet and writer Boris Pasternak will shortly appear in the centre of Moscow. A full-sized bronze figure of Boris Pasternak will be placed near the house where the poet lived for 10 years. It is where he wrote his famous novel Doctor Zhivago. A contest has just been announced for the best design of the monument to Boris Pasternak. 

22 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=29999&cid=51&p=22.07.2008 (in English)

The Days of Queen Olga in Germany

A Portrait of Queen Olga of Württemberg (Franz Xavier Winterhalter, 1865)

One of the 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany, Baden-Württemberg, will for the first time host The Days of Queen Olga. It is a series of cultural events in the memory of Russian Grand Princess Olga Nikolaevna (1822-1892), the daughter of Tsar Nikolai Pavlovich, who later became Queen Consort of Württemberg when she married Prince Karl Friedrich in 1846 (ruled as king, 1864-90), organised by the Fund of Russian-speaking citizens of Germany Our New Names.

23 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30019&cid=87&p=23.07.2008 (in English)

The Brothers Karamazov Opera in St Petersburg

One of the greatest Russian novels of 19th century, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, was staged as opera in an adaptation by a composer from St Petersburg, Aleksandr Smelkov. The première took place as a part of the Stars of the White Nights International Festival. 

23 July 2008

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30019&cid=87&p=23.07.2008 (in English) 

Great Waltz Festival in St Petersburg

The 7th International Great Waltz Music Festival took place in the Winter Palace of the State Hermitage in St Petersburg. Seven years ago, the forum marked the revival of the tradition of the famous Pavlov Musical Seasons. In the middle of the 19th century, the young Austrian violinist, conductor, and composer Johann Strauss performed there. In all, there were 11 concerts, exactly the same number of times that Strauss had been to St Petersburg in the summer. Prominent Russian and Austrian opera and operetta singers together with conductors and musicians took part in the festival. 

Yekaterina Semenchuk, a soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre, said, “The concert dubbed ‘The Roads of Love’ presented the cream of the opera classics. We, the soloists, narrated the stories of women guided by the strength of love through their lives. Johann Strauss is one of the favourite composers of many Russian music lovers. it is difficult to imagine the musical heritage without his ingenious melodies. The image of sunny Vienna, full of love and live music, was here, in St Petersburg, for everyone who attended the festival. Strauss can easily be called a Russian composer as he created his best pieces in Petersburg”.  The festival closed with a series of “encores”, which resulted in a separate final concert. This is an old tradition, when artists and musicians sing and play Johann Strauss once again on the last day of the festival. 

25 July 2008

Anatoly Novosyolov

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30097&cid=51&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Voice of Russia World Service

Metropolitan Vladimir Sabodan of Kiev and all the Ukraine (1935- ). Pray for him, as he under attack by Orangies, Uniates, Schismatics, and America. What a cross this man carries!

The spiritual leader (sic) of the Eastern Orthodox faith called Friday for religious unity within Ukraine and carefully hinted at possible independence for the local church, which is trying to move away from the powerful Russian patriarch, according to AP. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople is visiting the Ukraine for three days of celebrations marking the 1,020th anniversary of this region’s conversion to Christianity.

However, the event risks turning into a fierce political battle between Kiev, which is eager to win independence from Moscow for the local church, and the powerful Russian Orthodox Church fighting to maintain its influence over this nation of 46 million. "We came to here to pray together with you for the unification of all Orthodox Christians in the Ukraine into a single church, a church of your people, a church of your country”, Bartholomew said at a festive welcoming ceremony at the airport. "We came as angels of peace, those who strive for unity, freedom and peace”. In a bow to Moscow, Bartholomew also thanked Russian Patriarch Aleksei II for the opportunity "to mark this wonderful occasion together”.

Bartholomew’s visit is an important victory for Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, who is trying to establish an independent Orthodox church in his country. It is the first time the spiritual leader (sic) of the world’s Orthodox believers has visited Ukraine in 350 years. Bartholomew’s references to "a church of your country" and "angels of freedom" were interpreted by Ukrainians as support for their own church.

Representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church complained they were shut out of the preparations. Patriarch Aleksei II is expected to arrive at the festivities Saturday. Experts (!) (sic) say that the Ukrainian church is bound to attain independence in the long run. However, an abrupt decision could lead to a deep split between Constantinople and the Russian Orthodox Church, which claims 95 million out of the world’s 250 million Orthodox believers and is the biggest in the world (As per usual, the Ukrainian Orangies get it wrong. There are 140 million faithful in the MP. We are two-thirds of Orthodoxy: editor’s note).

Efforts to win autonomy have split the Ukrainian church, with two breakaway churches setting themselves up since the 1991 Soviet collapse. Both churches are smaller than the Russian-affiliated church in the Ukraine, which claims up to 28 million believers here.

25 July 2008

UNIAN News Agency

http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-263610.html (in English)

Editor’s Note:

I have been trying to stay away from this story most of today. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, I do not wish to bore you with a concentration on one topic to the exclusion of all others. Secondly, it is shaping up into being a train wreck of colossal proportions. Black Bart is living up to his name, I am afraid.

Unfortunately, Bart has convinced the western media that he is the “head” of Orthodoxy. Sadly, there are Roman Catholics who believe it. If Bart goes through with this lunatic suggestion of his, they are going to find out otherwise.

I am VERY apprehensive over tomorrow. Yushchenko is not playing with a full deck, and the chances of an attempted violent act against His Holiness Aleksei or His Beatitude Vladimir are too high for comfort. I wish that His Holiness would cancel this trip. At the least, he is going to be humiliated by Bart and Yushchenko. If I had the opportunity, this is what I would say, “Your Holiness, please stay in Moscow! Don’t glorify Bart and Yushchenko with your presence”.

I was depressed by all of this yesterday. If anything, I am sadder today. I see a beast rising from the sea, and I can do nothing to avert its ravening. However, let me assure both Bart and Yushchenko, if you provoke us, you shall see what sort of people we are. Draw back from the brink, if you will. I fear that such is not to be, though… 

Chinese psychologists will visit the Centre of Emergency Psychological Assistance under the Ministry for Emergency Situations. In particular, they showed great interest in the work of Russian psychologists in the Sichuan earthquake zone. 

Yulia Shoigu is the director of this Centre, and we should mention that she is the daughter of the Minister for Emergency Situations, Sergei Shoigu. However, she does not use her father’s authority as a cover. Ms Shoigu, Candidate of Science (Psychology), has headed one of the units of the Ministry for Emergency Situations since 2002. In an interview, she said that her job is “grievous work”. “Really, the key task of the Centre’s staff members is to offer emergency psychological help to survivors in natural disasters and all kinds of accidents. Equally difficult is another task, to offer help to all those who lost their relatives, to help them cope with the shock that comes from the death of their loved one”, she said. 

Russian specialists proved top-notch professionals, as their work in the Sichuan Province showed. By the way, Ms Shoigu arrived at the scene on the first flight of rescuers from Russia. The psychologists from the Ministry for Emergency Situations worked at ground zero of the earthquake, and they offered assistance to foreign nationals for the first time, in this case, victims of the Sichuan earthquake. Within three weeks, they treated more than 300 people, out of which 250 were children. We don’t know what they did to overcome the language barrier, but, the results were excellent. Ms Shoigu said that modern technologies were used to offer help to all those who found themselves in a difficult situation. These methods are unique, since if one uses them, the knowledge of foreign languages is not necessary. 

The Chinese praised the work of Russian rescuers highly. Words of gratitude from ordinary people and also thanks from top-level Chinese leaders, including President Hu Jintao are proof of this. That is why Chinese psychologists are very interested in the work of their Russian colleagues and want to learn more about their experience. Deplorably, earthquakes and floods occur in China very often. Russian psychologists are open to all questions, Ms Shoigu stressed. They will listen to their Chinese colleagues with interest.

25 July 2008

Valery Mitrofanov

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30132&cid=61&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

This is Rita, a Chinese Russian tall enough to play in the NBA.

Where'd the steaming hot burns come from? Where else, LNP's Merlin Bronques.

Whilst on a voyage circumnavigating the globe, the Russian sailing ship Pallada established a new world speed record for vessels of its class. She reached a speed of 18.7 knots per hour under sail, without powered assistance. The onboard computer of the ship verified the data. It was also proven by using information from one of the ship’s video cameras.

The Pallada left on her globe-girdling journey in November 2007, sailing from the port of Vladivostok. Her crew is made up of cadets from marine institutes in Russia. The project is dedicated to the 190^th anniversary of the around-the-world voyage of the famous mariners Faddei von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev, and is also in honour of the 50^th anniversary of Russian research stations in Antarctica. The total length of the voyage is some 32,000 nautical miles. It sailed into the Western Pacific, then to Australia, the Panama Canal, into the Atlantic Ocean, then, to the Mediterranean, through the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean, and, finally, it shall arrive back in Vladivostok sometime this August. In the interim, the Pallada shall have visited ports in 22 countries of the world.

According to Vladimir Kiryukhin, the spokesman for the around-the-world voyage, Pallada broke the speed record on Sunday 30 July under extremely adverse weather conditions. The previous speed record was 18.3 knots per hour, and was set under similar circumstances. Mr Kiryukhin said, “As we were leaving the Formosa Strait going into the East China Sea, the vessel found itself in the midst of a powerful tropical typhoon, which produced much damage in the Philippines and on Taiwan. In such difficult conditions caused by the storm, the captain of the Pallada, Nikolai Zoshchenko, and all the members of the crew showed not only the highest professionalism and raw courage, but, were able to confirm yet again that their ship is the fastest tall-ship on the planet. There is no doubt that 18.7 knots per hour is far from this ship’s limit. We only need the proper amount of wind in our sails, and I am certain that the Pallada shall easily break the 20 knots per hour barrier”.

The Russian sail training ship Pallada was built eighteen years ago in the Polish seaport of Gdańsk. It has its place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest sailing vessel in the world, setting a mark of over 18 knots per hour. Pallada has won numerous awards at prestigious international festivals and famous regattas. The honoured guests of the ship included many of the most famous people in the world, presidents, scientists, actors, and others. Normally, each year, the Pallada makes four training voyages into the Asia-Pacific Ocean region. In its more than 100 major international voyages, the Pallada visited more than 70 different ports in all parts of the world.

23 July 2008

Sergei Mizerkin

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=77886&cid=25&p=23.07.2008 (in Russian)

Yelena Isinbayeva (1982- ), Russian champion women's pole-vaulter

5.03 metres… this is a new world record in women’s pole-vaulting set by Yelena Isinbayeva. At a track and field tournament in Rome, she beat her own record, set three years ago. Now, Yelena holds 22 world records. Smiling, she notes the predictions of some that “the era of Isinbayeva is ending”. “Maybe, it isn’t the end… it’s just the middle”, she said.

Four years ago, after her victory in the Athens Olympics, the name of Isinbayeva was long seen on the covers of sports magazines. In one of her numerous interviews, Yelena joked, “To win at the Olympics, that was such fun!” Today, the Olympic champion is much more serious. After her success in the games at Rome, which many thought were a dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Beijing Olympics, she is not giving any interviews, saying that all of her thoughts are concentrated on the imminent Olympics.

Certainly, there are those aspiring to break Isinbayeva’s record. However, she is the only woman to date who has broken the five-metre barrier in the pole-vault. It is no less daunting to compete against one’s own record as it is to spar with real rivals on the field.  Yelena said, “It’s a complex situation, but, it’s OK by me. How is it complex? I like to wait until my rival jumps, to see how she conquers heights that are easy for me. However, if she shows that she can easily jump at my level… that can whip me! It is easy to compete when the lath is set at 4.80 metres, then, when it is set at 4.90 metres, there are still many of us who can do it. But, you must concentrate if you are to win a world’s record. Nevertheless, it doesn’t bother me when my rivals make high leaps, for that helps me to improve my own records”.

The sports idol of Yelena was the great Sergei Bubka, who won 36 world’s records in pole-vaulting. “Can I can make more world’s records than Sergei? Maybe I can, maybe I can’t, but, I am going to try to overtake him. Perhaps, after I compete at Beijing, I shall reduce the gap”, she says.

14 July 2008

Svetlana Andreyeva

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=77015&cid=25&p=14.07.2008 (in Russian)

Aleksei Gordeyev, Minister of Agriculture

Yoshkar-Ola, the capital of Mari-El Republic on the Volga, hosted the 7th all-Russia Rural Sports Games. The recently renovated “Druzhba” Stadium played host to 12,000 spectators and 6,000 participants from 73 oblasts of Russia and from Byelorussia, the Ukraine, and Tajikistan. Rural sports have been popular in Mari-El for decades. Stanislav Biryukov is the chief of the Rossport Physical Culture Agency and he said, “Summer rural games progress year after year to become much more fascinating. They are designed to develop sports and their social infrastructure”. 

This year, the participants competed in 14 sports, including arm wrestling, free-style wrestling, judo, kettlebell lifting, Russian lapta, multiathlon, and family contests. Machine operators, who took part for the first time, demonstrated mastery in tractor-driving, in swimming, and in strength athletics.  Agriculture Minister Aleksei Gordeyev is the Chairman of the Organising Committee and he said, “We’ve decided to introduce a tractor show as part of Russian Field Day, an event held since 2004 to promote modern resource-saving technologies in agricultural production, selection achievements in crop-raising, and cutting-edge agricultural machinery”. The Mari-El delegation proved the most numerous, with 84 Mari athletes taking part. 

25 July 2008

Natalia Abrosimova 

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=eng&q=30104&cid=63&p=25.07.2008 (in English)

Editor’s Note:

This sounds like a gigantic County Fair, Agricultural Show, and Tractor Pull! Seems like American country folks and Russian country folks have a lot in common. Looks like we should implement the Tyotya Vara’s Beer Barrel Peace Plan! That is, we place a gigantic beer barrel in the middle of a field, invite down-home Americans and Russkies to the fest, and send all troublemakers to the “board of education”. You know what I mean; several VERY large sorts from both parties would show the miscreants the error of their ways using very clear, emphatic, and direct pedagogical techniques… I don’t think the “lesson” would have to be repeated…

As for the rest of us, I think that we would find that we don’t have much to fight over, after all. Khorashaya posla! That went down WELL! Yee-hah and a big Ura!

His Beatitude Vladimir Sabodan (1935- ), Metropolitan of Kiev and all the Ukraine, First Hierarch of the canonical UAOC (MP). The cossacks are there to guard him from Orange and Uniate fanatics.

Editor’s Foreword:

In light of coming events in Kiev, I wished to find something recent written by Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev, the canonical hierarch involved. A friend in Russia suggested this piece, and I think it fills the bill. Indeed, what Metropolitan Vladimir says has resonance far beyond the boundaries of Eastern Europe.

******

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the present stage of her development faces many threats because of the current development trends in the Ukrainian society, said His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and all the Ukraine in his report presented at the 2008 Archpastoral Council, mentioning nationalism, secularisation, and consumerism as particular threats.

The ideology of nationalism, popular because of the processes of national revival and the gaining of statehood, reached its peak in the 1990s, Metropolitan Vladimir said. Those who adhere to this ideology criticise the canonical relations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church with the Moscow Patriarchate and their common prayers, claiming that these make the Ukraine's independence impossible. “Nationalist-minded politicians accused us of many things, using all kinds of means to make the life and ministry of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as difficult as possible. We lived in the context of an informational blockade; they tried to call our Church 'anti-Ukrainian’ and took away our church buildings and property unlawfully”. The Church courageously opposed the ideology of nationalism and willingly participated in the processes of national revival of the Ukraine; Metropolitan Vladimir emphasised and continued, “We have become the genuine Church of the Ukrainian people, while maintaining spiritual ties with the Russian Orthodox Church”.

The ecclesiastical splits of the last twenty years weakened our Church as they hinder her mission in society and facilitate the thriving of different sects. Moreover, “with every passing year, the wall that divides the Orthodox in our country becomes even higher, and society would soon see the presence of several Orthodox Churches in the Ukraine as a norm. We should not forget our brothers and sisters on the other side of this wall. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has some eleven thousand parishes, while the number of parishes remaining outside the communion with world Orthodoxy amounts to some four thousand. These figures show that millions of the Orthodox Christians in the Ukraine are outside ecclesiastical communion. They are deprived of the grace of the Holy Sacraments, and their eternal salvation is jeopardised. Therefore we, as responsible pastors, must take decisive actions to overcome the schism”. (It should be noted that UAOC (MP) has 74 percent of the parishes, but, 85 percent of the faithful in the Ukraine, as its parishes are larger and better-organised than those of the sectarian schismatics: editor’s note)

Metropolitan Vladimir spoke about the necessity to take into account all causes of the schism, such as [secular] politics entering the life of the Church, penetration of the nationalist ideology of ethno-phyletism in it, human pride, and cultural polarisation of Ukrainian society. Incidentally, the Western Ukraine, the seat of the movement for autocephaly, numbering 70 percent of all autocephalous structures, has become a social basis of the schism. (This means that 2,800 out of the 4,000 schismatical conventicles are concentrated in Galicia: editor’s note)

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church “strives to distant herself from any political and ideological platforms” and “does not take upon herself responsibility to determine any civilisational choice of the Ukraine”. The Bishops' Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that took place in December 2007 denounced the attempts to turn the life of the Church into a political issue and “pointed out to the extremist-minded forces within our Church that their activity is detrimental to the interests of the Church and hampers the efforts aimed at the overcoming of ecclesiastical schism”. Metropolitan Vladimir expressed his hope that representatives of the self-proclaimed “Patriarchate of Kiev”, whose ideology is based on “political Orthodoxy”, would do likewise.

The reporter noted a certain progress in the dialogue between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the so-called Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and remarked that cooperation in the overcoming of schism could be constructive if the participants in the dialogue have sincere intentions and are willing to heed to the arguments of the other side. Metropolitan Vladimir stated with satisfaction that “The UAOC has reconsidered many of her positions that have earlier confused clerics and laymen of our Church. For instance, the UOAC has publicly denounced ethno-phyletism and publicly renounced it as a method of the building of church life”.

The schismatic groups in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the “Patriarchate of Kiev” and the “Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church” link the overcoming of the schism with a new canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the present leadership of the Ukrainian state shares this position. “One may suppose that the improvement of the canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church could help the schismatic groups to join her. Yet, it will not solve the problem of the ecclesiastical unity in the Ukraine as many bishops, clerics, and laymen of our Church are not prepared to break off the present canonical ties with the Russian Orthodox Church”, Metropolitan Vladimir is convinced. On the other hand, some people assert that autocephaly is detrimental to ecclesiastical unity. This point of view, however, would mean in the long run that there is no unity among the Local Orthodox Churches with autocephalous status. This runs contrary to the Orthodox teaching of the Church. On the other hand, there is an opinion that autocephaly is the only way of solving the Ukrainian ecclesiastical problem. This position is ridiculous. Autocephaly cannot be an instrument of consolidation of the Church; it can only be a result of a general church consensus. Moreover, historical experience shows that a hastily achieved autocephaly could cause further divisions within the Church”.

“In virtue of the mentioned reasons, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church prefers to consider the problem of overcoming the schism in a pastoral manner, avoiding the overly-speculative problems. This means that we are prepared to discuss problems of how to overcome the schism, but, are not willing to discuss any changes in the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as we consider this discussion premature and unhelpful for the current life of the Church”, Metropolitan Vladimir said.

The position of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the dialogue with the State is the same. Metropolitan Vladimir believes it positive that the Ukrainian politicians care for consolidation of society and consider the Church as a helper in the solution of this problem. He expressed his hope for the authorities to comply with “the legitimate demand to grant the Church the status of a legal entity and return all seized property”. At the same time, he believes, an active participation of the state in the solution of the ecclesiastical problems, even with the best of intentions, could have grave consequences and bring about new schisms. “There could be such a development if the authorities ignore the position of the largest Church in the Ukraine or take actions aimed at overcoming the schism without the knowledge of the Church and without seeking advice from her Primate. In such cases, we consider the actions of the authorities as not competent and going beyond the scope of the Constitution of the Ukraine as far as it concerns the relations between the Church and the State”, Metropolitan Vladimir said.

“I focused attention on the restoration of the ecclesiastical unity in the Ukraine, as the unity of the Church is the theme of the present Archpastoral Council. I hope that the Plenitude of the Russian Orthodox Church represented here by her bishops would properly assess this difficult and urgent problem, and that their deliberations would be included in the Acts of the Council”, His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir said in conclusion of his report.

June 2008

His Beatitude Vladimir Sabodan

Metropolitan of Kiev and all the Ukraine

Report to the 2008 Archpastoral Council of the MP

Moscow Patriarchate Department of External Church Relations

Quoted in Europaica

http://orthodoxeurope.org/page/19/2/514.aspx (in English)

Editor’s Afterword:

It is interesting to note that 70 percent of the schismatical conventicles are located in Galicia, a region with only some 10 percent of the total population. This means that schismatics are a much larger proportion of the population in Galicia, and a much smaller fraction elsewhere. In concrete terms, it means that proportions of parishes outside Galicia are 95 percent in the canonical Church and 5 percent in the schismatical rebels. In short, Galicia is a particularly rebellious region, not typical of the rest of the Ukraine. I think that the CIA fact book that called the “Patriarchate of Kiev” the largest group in the Ukraine was edited by someone with an ethno-political axe to grind! I wonder which one…

Most American Orthodox are not aware of this due to the particular nature of the emigration to North America. Very few Orthodox from the territory of the old empire came to America prior to the Revolution, and most were prevented from arriving after the end of the Civil War due to restrictive US immigration laws passed in 1920. Therefore, we have an anomalous situation here. The majority is made up of Galicians and Carpatho-Russians, small minorities in the motherland. As a result, Uniatism and schismatical Orthodoxy have a larger impact on us than they do on the mother church. It has affected our entire church life, to be frank, not for the better.

Note well what Metropolitan Vladimir says, “On the other hand, there is an opinion that autocephaly is the only way of solving the Ukrainian ecclesiastical problem. This position is ridiculous. Autocephaly cannot be an instrument of consolidation of the Church; it can only be a result of a general church consensus. Moreover, historical experience shows that a hastily achieved autocephaly could cause further divisions within the Church”. Substitute “American” for “Ukrainian”, and you have a damning indictment of the very basis of the so-called OCA. Vladyki Vladimir torpedoes Schmemann. Finis, AS!

Also ponder on, “Metropolitan Vladimir spoke about the necessity to take into account all causes of the schism, such as [secular] politics entering the life of the Church, penetration of the nationalist ideology of ethno-phyletism in it, human pride, and cultural polarisation of Ukrainian society”. Substitute “American” for “Ukrainian” and you have another torpedo into the autocephalist ship. They have brought secular politics (“democracy”), ethno-phyletism (Americanism), human pride (just look at SVS and the Again lot), and cultural polarisation (the divide between “native” and “converts”: n.b. not all “natives” are native-born, not all “converts” are adult-entrants, keep a close watch!).

In conclusion, Metropolitan Vladimir is not ready to compromise. Shall this lead to something tomorrow? Let’s hope that it doesn’t. However, he is not going to allow Black Bart to claim any jurisdiction. God willing, he shall not. The consequences of doing otherwise are too harsh. DO pray tonight… and light an extra candle as well.    

Russian ethno-folk musicians Grunya and Vitaly Kis of Agni-Guitar

Starting today, Moscow is hosting the 29th Eurofolk international folk music festival, organised by the European Broadcasting Union in cooperation with Voice of Russia. Our company is represented by the group Agni-Guitar and folk singer Grunya, scheduled to perform on 27 July. They are considered amongst the best folk musicians in Russia. Folk musicians and collectives from 15 countries will perform at a picturesque open-air concert venue in the Tsaritsino historical and landscape preserve in the southeast of the city. Traditionally, concerts are recorded and broadcast on EBU radio and TV channels across Europe, enabling audiences to discover the vast diversity of European folk music. 

Agni-Guitar’s front-man, Vitaly Kis, said, “Each ethnic culture is wonderful in its own way and complete unto itself”. For Eurofolk, the group prepared a programme consisting of his favourite tunes. “Above all, I love Latin American music with its passionate temperament and very rich rhythmic tradition. I am also very fond of Celtic music. Speaking about Ireland and Britain, there are deep folklore layers, beautiful ballads, and fiery jigs. This music attracts musicians by its primordiality, authenticity, and creativity. Its tunes are sacral, crystallised through the centuries. Today, our task as musicians is to create modern arrangements of these themes. This will help the younger generations to not forget their roots”. 

Grunya shall bring a strongly-Russian flavour to this international festival. ”I will sing several songs representing various regions of Russia. Not all folk songs can be arranged in a modern style, that’s why I prefer to sing them unaccompanied. Russian folk music has complicated polyphony. For example, take a song from Belgorod oblast, The Nightingale Talked with the Cuckoo; it’s a song for eight voices, each having its own theme. This creates a fantastic and charming musical palette”. 

25 July 2008

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=78086&cid=24&p=25.07.2008 (in Russian)

In an interview for VOR, Dr Shakh Mahmud Nek, one of our staff, who is just back from Afghanistan, said, “The country urgently needs effective international assistance to embark on its peaceful reconstruction. Contemporary Kabul, as a microcosm of the problems facing the entire country, best illustrates the crying need for a respite so that Afghanistan can rebuild. In spite of expectations, the situation in Afghanistan has not improved since the entry of coalition forces in 2001; rather, things have gone from bad to worse. Last year, a record 8,200 tons of opium puppies was harvested and the UN forecasts an increase in future. Internal squabbles are out of control and innocent Afghan civilians and foreign experts working in Afghanistan are bearing the brunt of it. Against this distressing backdrop, none of the fundamental problems have been solved”.

Dr Nek went on to say, “The situation is bad; Kabul is in ruins, the major problem in the country now is high unemployment. Young people can’t find work and the cost of living keeps soaring, especially food prices. Kabul is an absolutely squalid city; rubbish is uncollected, dirt is everywhere (“mud up to the elbows” in the original: editor’s note), and the stench is terrible, even near the presidential palace. Depressing scenes greet you everywhere on the streets, for you see children, invalids, and women begging for alms in the streets. Today, Kabul is not fit for human habitation; there is no central water supply, no natural gas, and no working sewer system. On seeing such a wretched place, any sober-minded person is shocked beyond measure. There is no evidence of the huge financial help by the world community that the world press has trumpeted about for a long time”. 

Dr Nek laments, “The problem of security in Kabul grows sharper with each passing day. Over three weeks, I witnessed burning convoys of 30 to 60 vehicles on the Kabul-Kandahar road; large vehicles, they included petrol tankers. The blast in front of the Indian Embassy, which killed about 60 people, was particularly horrendous and gory. Explosions happen in Kabul and other towns with frightening regularity. But, you ask, what about the so-called peacekeepers? They live in well-protected compounds, shielded against bomb blasts. They rarely venture outside their strongpoints, and are generally unseen in the city”. 

In three weeks, Dr Nek saw armoured troop carriers speeding across Kabul at least five times. “Soldiers shot indiscriminately at civilians, mortally afraid of the ubiquitous Taliban. Civilian homes and police stations have recently been bombed by the NATO forces in Paktia province, and ordinary Afghans believe that the coalition came to their country to destroy Afghan customs, culture, and religion. When you see that hundreds of harmless women, children, and the aged are mowed down in cold blood by the bombing, the question arises as to why the coalition troops came to Afghanistan”, Dr Nek asked. 

A Pentagon source said that President Bush is considering sending extra troops to Afghanistan to beef up the current 36,000-strong US contingent, half of which is under NATO command. In the present situation, Afghanistan really needs international help, but, not armed men and women in uniform, but, friendly civilians to help rebuild the country’s economy and collapsing infrastructure. 

25 July 2008

Yelena Studneva

Voice of Russia World Service

http://www.ruvr.ru/main.php?lng=rus&q=78085&cid=19&p=25.07.2008 (in Russian)