Voici un témoignage en anglais dune personne, soeur dun prêtre russe-américain qui a choisi de sinstaller en Russie depuis une dizaine dannées. On Friday, September 5, 2014 7:38 PM, Priestmonk Elia wrote: Dear fr. Ilia, bless! This is fr Konstantin’s sister Maria writing to you from Kostroma, Russia. First of all I hope you are doing well and keeping your diabetes under control. I hope your living conditions are satisfactory. My brother asked me to write because you were interested in knowing how Russians feel about Putin. Of course I cannot answer for the whole country, but I have been living here for 8 years and I believe I am attuned to what many people feel. When I first came to Russia in the 1990s I was saddened to see that Russians, by and large, had no pride or love for their country. Considering what they went through during 75 of communist terror, it is not surprising. They also had no true knowledge of their history and culture. Plus, a distorted, romanticized view of the West. (via American movies). There was very little patriotism among the youth. Later, Putin appointed an excellent Minister of Culture who has done a great job in restoring historical truth and promoting Russian culture. For example, during 2014, the country is commemorating WWI which was totally ignored or maligned by the red government. There are now many truthful documentary films and wonderful exhibitions. Last year the 400th Anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty was widely marked. Putin just announced the complete restoration of the 2 ancient Kremlin monasteries that were blown up in the 1930’s. On political and social issues Putin’s ratings are very high – around 80 percent. Last year the Russian Far East had the worst floods in 125 years and the administration did everything possible to alleviate the effects of damage. The success of the February Winter Olympics in Sochi did much to raise feelings of pride among Russians and to improve Russia’s image throughout the world -- in spite of the terrible black PR coming from the US. But what really brought tears of joy and gratitude to Russians, was the rejoining of Crimea with Russia. I lived there for many months and experienced first-hand the discrimination and neglect that Russian-speaking people faced every day from the Ukrainian bureaucracy. Yet the West constantly calls this an annexation of a foreign territory. Of course the real tragedy is unfolding now in the South-eastern part of the Ukraine where thousands are being killed and whole cities are razed to the ground. The US claims that Russia has invaded the Ukraine. Obama just reiterated this at the Nato summit, while the official State Dep’t spokeswomen had to admit that there is no objective proof. Just as there was no proof that Russia was to blame for the Malaysian Airline tragedy. In these cases too, Putin is acting prudently and with compassion for the victims. I believe most of the country supports his diplomatic and humanitarian efforts there. That is not to say there are no problems here. Especially with widespread corruption. But it is not easy to overcome the destruction and degradation of almost a century of communist rule. Yet I believe the country is slowly returning to its roots and historical heritage. I feel more confident of a better life for Russia in the future – with God’s help and Grace and through the intercession of the Royal and New Martyrs. This is my subjective view of the current situation based on my experiences here, my conversations with the natives and information from the news media. I would be glad to elaborate on the situation if you so desire. My very best regards. Asking for your prayers for all of us here in Kostroma. Maria Fedoroff
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:50:02 +0000
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