Church and Charity by Kara Clunk
Posted by ghudson on June 11th, 2006
History shapes the people and events of the future. The Soviet era shaped the present day Moscow to be stylistic, and inquisitive. Generally, when people are denied certain activities, liberties, or rights, they demand and utilize these things when they are once again obtainable. For many years during the Soviet time, religion was opressessed and not fully appreciated or understood. As Father Boris, a priest who we met in the Russian Orthodox Church system, explained, there is a large gap in the Russian Orthodox religion because the Soviet period limited and denied the education of that religion. People were forbidden to practice the Orthodox ways and would be crudely punished if caught doing so. After 1991, when the Soviet regime collapsed, many people began to actively participate in religion again.
Moscow, especially in the present, has become much more aware of its community in their actions. People participate weekly in 3 hour services
rejoicing their freedoms that they have recently obtained in the past two decades. Father Boris explained that young adults are enthusiastic about entering into Seminary school and the numbers of active participants are< increasing weekly.
Moreover, the people within the church itself have become more active with each other. Trying to improve and help each other through their difficult lives. Different economic classes cooperate even though the collectivism has disappeared. Charity has increased within the church and the community as a whole has greatly benefited. The Soviet time was the blue print of these necessary changes in society. I believe that religion can be an important factor in the shaping of the government and society of the Muscovites. With this stronger support system, Russia can develop into a stronger democracy. Because of these changes, Moscow has become a wealthier and more independent society, where awareness of the community has increased.
Kara Clunk