Posted on 03/19/2008 7:17:10 AM PDT by NYer
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Communist leader of the Soviet Union, has acknowledged his Christian faith for the first time, paying a surprise visit to pray at the tomb of St Francis of Assisi.
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Accompanied by his daughter Irina, Mr Gorbachev spent half an hour on his knees in silent prayer at the tomb.
His arrival in Assisi was described as "spiritual perestroika" by La Stampa, the Italian newspaper.
"St Francis is, for me, the alter Christus, the other Christ," said Mr Gorbachev. "His story fascinates me and has played a fundamental role in my life," he added.
Mr Gorbachev's surprise visit confirmed decades of rumours that, although he was forced to publicly pronounce himself an atheist, he was in fact a Christian, and casts a meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1989 in a new light.
Mr Gorbachev, 77, was baptised into the Russian Orthodox Church and his parents were Christians.
In addition, the parents of his wife Raisa were deeply religious and were killed during the Second World War for having religious icons in their home.
Ronald Reagan, the former United States president, allegedly told his close aides on a number of occasions that he felt his opponent during the Cold War was a "closet believer".
Mr Reagan held deep religious convictions himself. However, until now Mr Gorbachev has allowed himself to express only pantheistic views, saying in one interview "nature is my god".
After his prayers, Mr Gorbachev toured the Basilica of St Francis and asked in particular to be shown an icon of St Francis portraying his "dream at Spoleto".
St Francis, who lived in the 12th century, was a troubadour and a poet before the spiritual vision caused him to return to Assisi and contemplate a religious life.
Even in his early days, St Francis helped the poor, once giving all of his money to a beggar. As well as spending time in the wilderness, he also nursed lepers and eventually became a priest.
"It was through St Francis that I arrived at the Church, so it was important that I came to visit his tomb," said Mr Gorbachev.
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"I feel very emotional to be here at such an important place not only for the Catholic faith, but for all humanity."
He also asked the monks for theological books to help him understand St Francis's life.
Father Miroslavo Anuskevic, who accompanied the former Soviet leader, said: "He was not recognised by any of the worshippers in the church, and silently meditated at the tomb for a while. He seemed a man deeply inspired by charity, and told me that he was involved in a project to help children with cancer.
"He talked a lot about Russia and said that even though the transition to democracy had been very important
for the world, it was very painful for Russia. He said it was a country which has a great history, and also a great spirituality."
As for Gorbachev, I make no judgement except to say that he has chosen the finest of Christian models.
I pray that his journey ends happily in the arms of the good Lord.
God bless Mikhail Gorbachev.
Gorbachev did mention God in his farewell address when the Soviet Union dissolved.
Jesus, Lamb of God...
Have Mercy on us.
Gorbachev is “seeking” as evidenced by his requests for reading material from the Priests. It would be a great conversion story for many in Eastern Europe and all of Europe, not to mention communists througout the world.
I pray he seeks to tell his story.
Cynicism 101:
So did Clinton #1
So did Clinton #2
So did BHO
So did Huckabee
BTW: The only difference between Gorbachev and other Soviet leaders is that he’s alive.
Putin became a Christian after his wife’s car crash in 1993. (from wikipedia).
Scary.
With God all things are possible.
Now we can pray for the conversion of the West.
Maybe Putin will wind up like Becket.
St. Francis of Assisi was never a priest.
Interesting choice of words in the headline - “admits” - as if one is doing something wrong.
Even in his early days, St Francis helped the poor, once giving all of his money to a beggar. As well as spending time in the wilderness, he also nursed lepers and eventually became a priest.
Sheesh, the English press and religion -- always shoddy and unreliable. St. Francis did compose songs and poetry, but to paint him as a traveling performer is a total mischaracterisation. Furthermore, Francis never became a priest.
there was a book out a while ago which made the case that Gorby was the anti christ. I think it was “Gorbechav, the anti-christ?”. It was written by a scientist and made a pretty good case. I really don’t know and hope we have much time left because I am just starting a business and still would like to get married. But whatever happens , happens.
Very nice.There is a trip to Russia in Sept 08 with the Odessa Statue.I can’t make it but all are welcome.:)
Huh. Maybe the Democrats want to run him.
Who knows what to think about political and world leaders who proclaim any religious affiliation? Only God really knows what is in their hearts. At first, I was glad to learn this news and thought “Wow, the prodigal son...” Then I became skeptical and thought about all the so-called Christians in our political scene and their behavior. (i.e. rev. Wright, Obama, Clintons, Kerry, etc.). It would be interesting to know what the fate of such people is on their Judgment Days. Don’t we wish we find out? As with most, I would like to see people who profess to be religious and commit frauds, perpetrate lies, and instigate hatred get their “just desserts” here on earth, but I guess we will have to let God take care of them in the end.
No, it isn’t. I read that even Rudolph Hess became a Christian near the end, probably Catholic.
The bible tells us to occupy until He comes. That can mean many things but one of them, IMHO, is that we are to go on with our lives as though He won’t come back for a zillion years.
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