Russia to introduce Orthodox religious education in schools for the first time since the Tsars

smh.com.au ^ | November 20 2002 | The Telegraph, London

[Destro]

Schools dust off religious studies

November 20 2002

Russia is to introduce Orthodox religious education in schools for the first time since the Tsars.

Under a controversial proposal by the Education Ministry, head teachers will be able to schedule courses in a subject called Orthodox Culture.

The Education Minister, Vladimir Filippov, has proposed the course, which will not be compulsory. Opponents of the plan say the multi-ethnic nature of Russia, home to many Muslims, Jews and Buddhists, makes it unsuitable.

In the time of the Tsars children studied divine law, a course offering Orthodox religious and moral guidance. After the revolution in 1917, religious studies were replaced by courses in Marxism and Leninism. History, geography and other subjects were tailored to suit the ideological requirements of the Communist leaders.

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 education has remained secular, but in recent years the resurgent Orthodox Church has called for the inclusion of religious studies.

The timetable for introducing the new course is unclear, but officials say a 30-page document issued by the Education Ministry sets out the subject matter to be included. Topics will include the traditions of Orthodoxy, asceticism, the liturgy and the Bible, as well as religious art and literature.

The Orthodox Church says teaching religion will help counter alcoholism, AIDS, crime and drug addiction.

The Telegraph, London

[crazykatz]

Look the gal insulted the Orthodox Church....then, she said she didn't. But of course it was RIGHT OUT THERE IN BLACK AND WHITE....she INSULTED ALL ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS.

I get the feeling that she has never been to Russia and knows only what her "fearless' leaders tell her about the place...its people and its history.

She knows nothing of the depth of feeling that the Orthodox faithful and further....she just does NOT care that she insults first, denies she insulted the Orthodox second and then, continues the insults...on and on.

I feel sorry for her and her kind.

I have seen and heard them for years. They are say "If you don't go to my Church ...blah! blah! Blah! ETC. then, you are not a Christian.

I HAVE NEVER HEARD AN ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN SAY ANYTHING REMOTELY LIKE THAT.

In fact, just read marmema's comments to her. VERY NICE, indeed.

Now, if I were an unchurched person...I would follow Marmema's Church...she is a great example of a CHRISTIAN!!

I would avoid somebody who would STOOP so low as to say, AS MOTHER BEAR DID

CHRISTIANITY IS THRIVING IN RUSSIA IN SPITE OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH, NOT BECAUSE OF IT.

That comment was insulting and it really should have been removed by the moderators.

[Destro]

I agree with you. I don't know where you think I said that such a course of study would not involve an explanation of the theology and the faith of it and how they influenced thought and culture.

[FormerLib]

Look, we have to expect this sort of treatment from people. Christ Himself told us what would happen to us for following Him.

Lucky for us, we only have to endure hostile words from the ignorant. At least they can't round us up and slaughter us as has been done so many times.

[TopQuark]

Perhaps I misuderstood you; thanks for the clarification.

[Stavka2]

Here let me clarify: almost every village in Russia has atleast one Orthodox Church or Catholic Church of Synogoge. If anyone has come to "invade the turf" it is you guys, who on top of it also undermine the culture. Next, I'll give you an example of the difference between how we do charity and how you do charity: I've already written about how you do charity with strings....Orthodox orphanages in India provide a home and food and education to children without requireing them to be baptised or even convert. It is their choice and we help the poor regardless...nor do they have to listen to lengthy lectures because charity doesn't come with strings...and that's a point that most of your group can not understand.

[Stavka2]

It's not just the Catholics they dispise, as you see. They do act like weeds, because it's much safer then going to the heathens and pagans and Islamics to convert....just steal someone else's.

[eleni121]

Frankly, eleni121 and Motherbear, we do not believe the same things about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, you call yourselves Christian, but I know that my salvation lies with the Orthodox church, and not some Protestantminister.

As an Orthodox Christian born into my faith and descendant of martyred Christians by Mohameddans, I find your assumptions about my beliefs quite troubling especially for someone who purports to be a "serious Christian".

I am quite aware of the genocide against Christians in Russia after the Communists assumed power, just as I am aware of the genocide of Christians going on all over the world today! I am aware of OCA and Sergianism and that troubled relationship. But you seem to paint all Protestants with the same brush. The Protestants I refer to are those who are not afraid to speak against legalized infanticide or the evils of Mohamedanism. The Protestants I am referring to are consumed by Christ's example 24 hours a day. The Protestants I am referring to are missionaries standing for Christ in the most hideous situations all over the world and dying for the Cross and I salute them.

The Orthodox Christian world (apart from a few) seems to me more concerned with dinner parties, cultural events, environmental extremism, intra Orthodox squables, and defending the PLO than standing for the Church of Christ.

[eleni121]

You are the one who misunderstood. I was responding to other comments not to the original article you posted.

I support fully the Russian government attempting to include the role of the Christian Orthodox faith in their school curriculum. I think if it is done wisely, it could be a wonderful way to reconvert the mohamedans who had lost their faith years ago (such as the Chechnyans).

I still believe however that other Christian denominations should be free to help those lapsed in the faith to rediscover Christianity. I would never support any proselytization which undermines the already existing Christian faith in people.

One more point: The Orthodox Church did not have a monopoly on Christian belief im Russia. Protestants and the Roman Catholics have co existed wiht the Orthodox for hundreds of years.

[crazykatz]

Eleni, I disagree with just about EVERYTHING YOU WRITE!!

I have no idea where you get that "dinner party" comment....but my experiences with ORTHODOXY IN THE USA , have shown it to be a VERY SOCIAL SERVICE oriented Church.

In fact, I found the OCA to be the one ...at least in my town, to be much less social service oriented than, say the G.O.C. and the Antiochian parrishes. In fact, the Serbian Orthodox Church in my town has done MUCH work to help refugees inside Serbia.Plus they donate to an inner city soup kitchen.

I think you are overstating your position, just a wee bit.

Protestants for the most part are so liberal as to allow gay marriages or so "conservative" that I actually fear their radical intolerance of both Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics. Evangelicals are pretty much focused ON CONVERSION TO THEIR BRAND OF RELIGION....I have known many, many in my volunteer work with refugees. All they want are converts!!

If our refugee clients show NO interest in their church...they back off and ask for ANOTHER family to help....and so forth. This has happened to me and another social worker...over and over again. Now, when I get a call from Church X Evangelicals...I now say... I just don't have any clients right now, who need your help. The Methodists( whom I adore, as a matter of fact. Their generosity is fantastic!!) or the Espiscopalians( they are great as well and are very open minded to new people's customs).... got all the new ones!

It takes much time and preparation to visit with a refugees family and introduce them to a person who represents a church or an organization, that has agreed to help them. When group volunteers it sets up an anticipated plan of real assistance. These folks need assistance.

CONVERSION TO SOMEBODY'S elses's religion is NOT what our agency is all about. When a group backs off...it leaves a sadder refugee and usually a VERY disappointed and overworked, VOLUNTEER social worker to step in again...and find another person to help out.

So far, none of my cliets converted to anything their previous religion....from islam, from the Jewish faith, from Catholicism, from animism or the Orthodox Church.

Now, I know all about go forth and preach the Gospel. OK...When your message is so good...you don't any enticements or goodies....just the WORD and your good, unselfish deeds.

[crazykatz]

NOTHING .....short of a FULL apology from you for your insulting and callous words about the Russian Orthodox Church..... will do.

Otherwise, please refrain from addressing me in the future.

[FormerLib]

I would never support any proselytization which undermines the already existing Christian faith in people.

Unfortunately, most of the Protestants who are attempting to thrust themselves into Russia teach that the Orthodox Church is not Christian, that icons are "graven images", and that Holy Communion is "a metaphor for cannibalism."

The reason the Russians are trying to keep these people out is because of their own misdeeds. They just don't like the bed they've made for themselves.

[Polycarp]

My words:

Catholics assume one is indeed a Christian if they call themselves Christian (and especially if their life reveals the workings of Grace in their souls.)

[Polycarp]

most of the Protestants who are attempting to thrust themselves into Russia teach that the Orthodox Church is not Christian, that icons are "graven images", and that Holy Communion is "a metaphor for cannibalism."

This could equally read,

most of the Protestants who are attempting to thrust themselves into Latin America or the Phillipines teach that the Catholic Church is not Christian, that statues are "graven images", and that Holy Communion is "a metaphor for cannibalism."

Wherever orthodox/sacramental Christianity (Orthodox and Catholic) thrives you will find evangelicals proselytizing and trying to win away coverts.

As someone else pointed out, charity would seem to dictate that Christians asupport existing Churches where they are active and send their missionaries to mission fields, not lands already Christian.

[FormerLib]

...charity would seem to dictate that Christians asupport existing Churches where they are active and send their missionaries to mission fields, not lands already Christian.

If leading them to Christ was their concern, that would be true. However, their actions tell show us that it is false so their motivations clearly lie elsewhere.

[MarMema]

Many Orthodox have considered unity with the evangelicals.
We have a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit in common.