Pilgrim to the Russian Church : an American journalist encounters a vibrant religious faith in the Soviet Union

The author shares his experiences visiting Russia, and provides his impressions of the Christian community there Forest, communications secretary of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, headquartered in Amsterdam, credits his friendship with Dorothy Day as the catalyst in his turning toward Russian Orthodox spirituality. The journalist author began to visit the Soviet Union in 1983 as recent political reconciliation opened programs of contact and dialogue. This daybook, based on letters to his wife and on the visits they made to the U.S.S.R. together, is aptly subtitled. In exploring the Orthodox Church, largest religious body in the Soviet Union, with an estimated 50 million members, this "pilgrim" describes a complex structure, liturgy and imagery deeply rooted in Russian culture. In churches, seminaries and homes from Moscow to Leningrad, Forest was surprised to find that not only older women, ba bushkas, but also young people of both sexes actively practice their faith, evidence of religious stirring in an officially atheistic country. Dwelling on the icons and liturgies in various places, Forest communicates his feeling of being "at home" with Christians in the Soviet Union. Photos. not seen by PW. Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. This year the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates its millenary anniversary. That Christianity continues to grow in Russia, not only among the Orthodox, is a poignant witness to the strength of faith. Based on visits spanning three years, this book describes a culture often misrepresented to Americans; readers come to understand Russian spirituality as well as the wit, humor, and generosity of the people. Perhaps the book's greatest value is its forceful contribution to eliminating an unholy fear of the Soviet Unionon which many base their acceptance of the arms racefor as Forest shows, the war experiences of the Russian people make their desire for peace more tangible than our own. Carol J. Lichtenberg, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.