Here in the NE, I always found the Russians humble and gracious when we used to do house to house and apt. evangelism with a Baptist church in the 80’s. We had Russian language tracts, and i learned to say “Spazeeba” (thank you?), as well as Das vedanya” (”good day?) - at least that’s how i said these words.
My most favorite memory is when i offered a gospel tract to a tall Russian man, and he bowed down to take me hand to kiss it! I pulled it back, as I felt embarrassed, and he could not speak English much. I met him more than once, and he managed to convey that he wanted to invite us to his apartment, something that the natives RARELY do around here (MA) and so we finally went.
He and his wife were very gracious, and gave us Russian pancakes. His wife was actually a Muslim, and who interpreted for him, and explained that he was in a Siberian prison camp for 6 years for political dissent. I mentioned Sakharov and he said that he had met him. I also asked if how could it was in the camp. His wife again translated it to him, and then gave his answer: “He says, ‘I am still trying to get warm!’”
I really felt honored to met this man, and we told him about Jesus and salvation. I never saw him again, but I could met Russians in the middle of a cold winter day who would often stop and talk as if it was July. I could also tell a Russian family because they acted like a family. Kids close by their side, and well behaved, and i a word, humble. a family or Russian atheist even invited us in one day.
Of course, then there is the notorious Russian mafia.
Anyway, he says he had an ethnic-sounding last name and it retared his professional growth, even though discrimination was counter to party doctrine. He was some kind of engineer in the old country, either electrical or aerospace, I think. He says he is a lot happier being a Honda mechanic in Houston, and that the police here have not once demanded a payoff.