The Patriarch's Speech
Омск Life Famously Joseph Stalin restored the patriarchy of Moscow that was initially abolished by Peter I in his many attempts to ‘westernize” Russia. Then, with the fanaticism of the Communist Revolution, Christianity itself was essentially abolished especially in public life. For all the crimes committed against the Church during Stalin’s time in power he kept his word, and even after WWII was over, he did not change his mind about the restoration. And thus, the Church and its leadership found themselves in a rather ironic and unique position of having been fully restored into a society built around the concept of ‘state atheism’. This obviously required a lot of balancing and careful wording of one’s faith, having to stay true to the word of God and yet appease hungry secular censors of the Communist state apparatus. And so, we would like to share with you a translation of the speech given by Patriarch Alexy I of Moscow and All Russia, at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution. Please enjoy this short read of his speech as you may find it fascinating. The year 1967 was not that long ago and yet Russians lived in a completely different reality as you will see. “Beloved fathers, brothers and sisters in the Lord! 50 years ago, a Great Revolution took place in our country, which radically changed people’s relationships and was of exceptional importance for the history and life of all mankind. On the coming day of this jubilee, it is fitting for us, the faithful sons and daughters of our Holy Mother, the Russian Orthodox Church, wherever we are, whether within our Fatherland or abroad, to recall the historic event of October 25, 1917, which had such a diverse impact on the life and all subsequent labors and exploits of our people. incurred in the name of upholding the ideals of peace, justice and humanity. The comprehensive revolution has brought about fundamental transformations in the life of society. It made the dreams of many generations of people come true. It made all the natural resources of the country and the means of production available to the people. It has changed the very essence of human relations, making all our citizens equal to each other and eliminating from our society any possibility of hostility between people of different races and nationalities, between people of different beliefs, beliefs and social status. By proclaiming the “Decree on Peace” as its first law, the workers’ and peasants’ government defined the future program of the Soviet state’s foreign activities, which throughout the entire fifty years provided the consistent protection of universal peace and the security of peoples. Having renewed the very essence of the life of our people, the October Revolution was at the same time an incentive for the national liberation movement, and we, along with all our compatriots, are deeply pleased that all these initiatives, consonant with evangelical ideals, are finding increasing understanding and support from wide circles of believers in many countries of the world these days.”.
Омск Life Famously Joseph Stalin restored the patriarchy of Moscow that was initially abolished by Peter I in his many attempts to ‘westernize” Russia. Then, with the fanaticism of the Communist Revolution, Christianity itself was essentially abolished especially in public life. For all the crimes committed against the Church during Stalin’s time in power he kept his word, and even after WWII was over, he did not change his mind about the restoration. And thus, the Church and its leadership found themselves in a rather ironic and unique position of having been fully restored into a society built around the concept of ‘state atheism’. This obviously required a lot of balancing and careful wording of one’s faith, having to stay true to the word of God and yet appease hungry secular censors of the Communist state apparatus. And so, we would like to share with you a translation of the speech given by Patriarch Alexy I of Moscow and All Russia, at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution. Please enjoy this short read of his speech as you may find it fascinating. The year 1967 was not that long ago and yet Russians lived in a completely different reality as you will see. “Beloved fathers, brothers and sisters in the Lord! 50 years ago, a Great Revolution took place in our country, which radically changed people’s relationships and was of exceptional importance for the history and life of all mankind. On the coming day of this jubilee, it is fitting for us, the faithful sons and daughters of our Holy Mother, the Russian Orthodox Church, wherever we are, whether within our Fatherland or abroad, to recall the historic event of October 25, 1917, which had such a diverse impact on the life and all subsequent labors and exploits of our people. incurred in the name of upholding the ideals of peace, justice and humanity. The comprehensive revolution has brought about fundamental transformations in the life of society. It made the dreams of many generations of people come true. It made all the natural resources of the country and the means of production available to the people. It has changed the very essence of human relations, making all our citizens equal to each other and eliminating from our society any possibility of hostility between people of different races and nationalities, between people of different beliefs, beliefs and social status. By proclaiming the “Decree on Peace” as its first law, the workers’ and peasants’ government defined the future program of the Soviet state’s foreign activities, which throughout the entire fifty years provided the consistent protection of universal peace and the security of peoples. Having renewed the very essence of the life of our people, the October Revolution was at the same time an incentive for the national liberation movement, and we, along with all our compatriots, are deeply pleased that all these initiatives, consonant with evangelical ideals, are finding increasing understanding and support from wide circles of believers in many countries of the world these days.”.