Vol.1 September 2020

Parish Life Supplement, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Washington, D.C.

Youth of our Parishioner Parish Good Parish Focus News Samaritans From the Rector In the Name of the Father, the Son and service providers the Holy Spirit! could help. All in all, we decided to Dear Brothers and Sisters, launch a new way for our parishioners It is my pleasure to introduce to you our to share their news pilot issue of “The Parishioner.” As we and stories and all continue to experience the results of offer their services the COVID-19 outbreak, one of the main to each other. challenges for many parishes across the This is a creative country has been the lack of interaction experiment and among parishioners. Sadly, opportunities we sincerely hope to engage have been put on hold, and people that you will enjoy reading this very first feel a sense of isolation and miss simple issue. Naturally, to improve the newsletter joys, like sharing family and personal news we would greatly appreciate your feedback with each other at our trapeza. Others are and suggestions, which you can send to the interested in getting to know their fellow Editing Team at: parishioners better and to learn about their [email protected] stories and achievements. Finally, many of us need help for various local needs and In XC, having a list of local Orthodox professional Fr. Victor Potapov 2 Parish News

Five Devoted Volunteers Keep St. John’s Garden Blooming

Thanks to the five devoted members of the Sisterhood garden team: Theodora Kornja, Yulia Mitusova, Irina Olkhovsky, Olena Pastukh, Marina Zacharin, our garden continues to bloom. Here are some pictures by Peter Genis. 3 Good Samaritans Authentic Shashlik Feast Helps the Sisterhood Raise over $3,500!

Members of our Bazaar Committee came up with an excellent plan to hold a number of fundraisers to support our sisterhood. Despite typical DC summer

and outstanding support from our parishioners, our sisterhood made over $3,500, which will help fund important philanthropic projects. Thank you all! Enjoy the photos of our festivities, courtesy of Serge Potapov. heat and humidity, our parishioners came together and prepared a delicious shashlik luncheon to mark the feast and the end of the Apostles' Fast. Lazar Alieyev generously prepared multiple portions of a special Azeri kebab, chicken and salmon shashlik, which was outstanding! The Sisterhood team supplemented this delicious feast with tasty khachapuri, Russian pirogi, and cheesecake. Thanks to the hard work of the whole team 4 Parishioner Focus Interview with Marina Zacharin My Mother’s Advice Was Simple: choir singer then director, and composer. “Marina, You Need to Be Independent.” In he joined fellow emigrants in reconstructing the local Russian Orthodox Like many Russian emigrant families, Church after WWII bombings (the church was originally built in 1816).

Marina’s mother Katherine Lansuridi

was born in Kerch, Crimea and studied at Leningrad State University. She almost graduated just before World War II as a chemist ready to share her many talents, but the war dramatically altered her life - she was forcefully moved to along with her mother. She had to work in various jobs to survive and eventually Marina’s parents had a fascinating story landed in Stuttgart. filled with struggles and challenges, as well as remarkable feats of faith. Marina’s Life was difficult and demanding, and father, Johann Levitsky, was born in Vilna, yet it brought a fortunate moment that Lithuania, studied in Poland and eventually changed her life. In the very church where found himself in Germany. He was the Marina’s father directed the choir, the two third son of a priest, a devoted Orthodox souls met, never to separate again! and loved the church. In fact, his church “My father knew right away that he found work included many roles, as a reader, his love,” said Marina. 5 Soon thereafter, the couple was blessed also found a job at the university but as a with first a son George (later Rassophore instructor teaching Air Monk George at Jordanville Holy Trinity Force pilots the language using music.” Monastery) and then daughter Marina, but as most stateless war refugees, the family “I always loved horses, such noble needed to find a sponsor and a permanent animals.” home. This home became the United States. “My father vividly recalled the horrendous “Despite the modest means that we had, voyage on board the USS General Hershey, I had many wonderful and bright moments of my childhood,” says Marina. “Believe it or not, I actually wanted to become a veterinary doctor! I love all animals, but horses are my favorite by far… I used to ride my bike for five miles to the nearest stable… the deal was that I needed to clean it to be able to ride horseback,” smiles Marina.

Another deep passion was art. “Every time I picked up my brush or started sketching, the feeling would just flow…” Marina honed her skills, hoping to find good use for her a cargo ship carrying a large group of talents. Later on, she would make her way emigrants to the remote and yet unknown to the Corcoran School of Art, which she land of the free.” During the first few months hoped would prepare her for a career in after their arrival in the United States, Medical Illustration. That dream never the young family lived in New York City’s materialized, but her artistic talent came in Harlem neighborhood, where Marina’s handy in other phases of her life. father worked odd construction jobs while her mother worked in a textile factory. In school, Marina loved history. “It always “The conditions were quite deplorable, fascinated me how different nations and my parents tried desperately to find a evolved, how peoples interacted and how better place to raise their children,” shared little we really learn from our history.” Marina. They soon moved on to Utica, NY, and later to Syracuse, NY. There Marina’s Like many other Russian children, Marina mother finished her Chemistry education joined a group of Scouts, the St. George with a BA from Syracuse University and Pathfinders of America. She attributes found a fulfilling job at the Upstate Medical her love of scouting to Tatyana Grenevitz, Center research department. “My father her first scoutmaster from Los Angeles, 6 and her love of Russian language and history to Andrey Ilyinsky, a well-known scoutmaster from New York. “Andrey instilled in us the love of Russian songs, language, and spirit!” Apart from that, Marina had fun with her peers, hiking, swimming, lighting fires in the rain and putting up tents.

How does she have such incredible stamina, resourcefulness, and incessant energy? “My mom gave me great advice: Marina, you must be independent, you should not depend on anyone and be able to sustain yourself in life.”

Marriage and Life in the Church

Back in her scout camping years, she didn’t know that a young scout named Alexey would become the love of her life. Alexey and Marina married in a spiritual alliance of two souls – and both devoted from my life, it is just an organic part of me.” scout leaders of their parish! Later, Alexey So the transition to serving the church as an decided to serve God through his many adult was natural. roles at St. John’s parish, which Marina is continuing in his memory. The Sisterhood Quest: “The Path to Serve God is through Serving Others.” “I practically grew up in church,” says Marina. “I remember going to services After years of struggle, Marina’s husband from my early childhood. With a father finally succumbed to cancer. After Alexey’s who is a choir director I was reading and passing, it was very difficult to find peace singing in the choir, absorbing the ambient of mind. “It was a very challenging moment light of our church every moment I was for me. Enveloped in my grief, I didn’t know there.” Ekaterina Vasilyevna, Marina’s how I could live on, and many things I did grandmother, was her earliest teacher on autopilot.” And then one event changed of spiritual life. “I can’t separate church everything: Fr. Victor and Matushka Maria 7 invited her to dinner to a restaurant for a didn’t feel ready to come out of mourning, “talk.” “Not knowing what exactly was going but it returned me back to life,” reflects to be discussed but feeling a little ominous, Marina. “I knew how incredibly important I agreed. We had a lovely conversation the Sisterhood could be in the life of a and then at some point Fr. Victor made parish and wanted to build a sustainable his pitch. “Marina, you must realize we system of service where our sisters would didn’t just invite you for a nice evening, our share the responsibility of caring for the parish needs a Head Sister …and the rest House of God and the important tasks of is history…” charity for the needy.” Following the motto of senior scouting “serve others” she knew “I felt my arm being seriously twisted, and this was going to be the right path. Three Miracles of St. John of Kronstadt When asked if she had a favorite Saint, her to pray to St. Marina didn’t hesitate. “My family John after which experienced three miracles because of St. she finally got John of Kronstadt,” she shared. “The first relief and the two were with my father. In his youth he fell pain never came off a tree and broke his leg which did not back. In gratitude heal properly. His mother fervently prayed he ordered a for his recovery on St. John’s gravesite and life-sized icon he stopped limping. The second miracle of St John to happened when my father was studying in be painted and the seminary and he had big problems with crafted a large his memory, and could not recall his lessons. icon case for it at the Church in Syracuse, On his mother’s urging, he himself this time NY. In recognition of the St. John’s numerous prayed at St John’s gravesite. One morning good works and these family miracles, my he felt as if a thick fuzzy vail had been lifted father composed several spiritual songs and from his brain and he was able to finish his published a full-size record in honor of St. studies with excellence.” John’s canonization in 1964. “I am so grateful that we have his monument “The third miracle was with my mom. She at our Church now,” she shared. “I visited his was in a bus accident and suffered a concussion cathedral in St. Petersburg myself, but was which resulted in severe headaches for many not able to venerate his body as this part of years. No amount of medicine or therapy the church was closed, so I hope to get back would work, and my father encouraged there one day.” 8 Moments of History The Tsar and the President Alexander II and Abraham Lincoln By Marilyn Swezey It was a most unlikely connection - a friendly II, was in complete contrast to the lanky, alliance between the , homespun figure of U.S. President celebrating a millennium in 1862, and Abraham Lincoln. But they both liberated the young American Republic not yet 100 enslaved people in their nations and ultimately shared the same tragic fate of assassination.

While they never actually met, they corresponded and there they met on the equal footing of good diplomatic rhetoric, welcoming each other’s envoys and wishing God’s blessing on each other’s nation. There are six letters in the National Archives from Alexander II to President Lincoln. Each is written in two languages, French and Russian, and signed “Your very good friend, Alexander.” These are part of a larger collection of 21 letters of Alexander II to presidents of the United States.

Also preserved there is a hand-written draft of one of Lincoln’s replies, with crossed out words and corrections. It is signed in English, “Your good friend, A. Lincoln.” Portrait of Alexander II Oil on canvas Alexander II was a well educated man. He Ivan Tyurin spoke four languages, including English, State Museum-Preserve “Tsarskoye Selo” and had been tutored from birth to assume the “burden of service” to a nation years old. The two systems of government considered to be the successor to the were diametrically opposed. One was an Byzantine Empire. autocracy ruled by an hereditary monarchy and the other, a democracy led by an elected But the Tsar also had long been fascinated president. with America. It began in his childhood when the great Siberian missionary to The elegant persona of the Tsar, Alexander Russian America (now Alaska), Father 9 Ioann Veniaminov, visited the Winter was happening in Washington through Palace on one of his trips home. He the regular letters of the Russian Envoy to captivated the young Grand Dukes, the the in St. Petersburg, Prince future Alexander II and his brothers, with Alexander . stories of his experiences in the Russian colony in North America. This was certainly Gorchakov was an eminent statesman the beginning of the Tsar’s interest and and scholar of history - and his respect admiration for America. Father Ioann for the United States was considerable. later became Metropolitan and head of the “The American Union,” he declared, “has Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow. (He exhibited to the world the spectacle of a was later canonized and is known today as St. Innocent.) Alexander II retained his interest in America when, at age 37, he ascended the Russian throne, “tall and very handsome” in the words of the American Minister to St. Petersburg at the time, “with grey eyes and auburn hair.”

In complete contrast, Abraham Lincoln was born and raised in a log cabin in rural Kentucky. He was a self educated man, nine years older than Alexander, tall and gangly. His rise to the Presidency of the United States through the chaotic politics of the American electoral system of that time was a remarkable phenomenon. He seemed to come out of nowhere. Indeed, there were many among the Washington political and social set at that time, including the Russian Envoy to Washington, Édouard de Stoeckl, Portrait of Abraham Lincoln who had their doubts about the “provincial Mezzotint William Edgar Marshall, lawyer from Illinois”. Ticknor and Fields, Boston, 1866 Library of Congress In 1860, Alexander II wrote his first letter to the newly elected President Lincoln. prosperity without example in the annals Dated September 21, several months of history.” As the Tsar’s right hand man after Lincoln’s inauguration, it is a friendly, in foreign affairs, he also proved to be almost familial, announcement of the birth instrumental in the Tsar’s policy toward the of a son, Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich. United States.

Alexander II was fully informed on what To be continued in the next issue. 10 Youth of our Parish Orthodox in Hollywood?

Parishioner Andrey Slivin opens up about his experience growing up in the Church and his plans for the future Interviewed by Yaroslava Kuzina

Y: How did you come to church? Have you affected how I formed friendships - only always gone to St. John’s? positively. In fact, it's a great conversation A: I was born into the church. And as far as starter: people often want to know what I can remember, yes. my cross means. They ask what “save Y: How big of a part did the church play in and protect” means. Who are we being your life? protected from and why. I’m not really A: A massive one. I didn’t realize it until qualified to answer these questions, but I do recently, but the church played a very my best. I share this with people of all types important role in my life. I didn’t have many of backgrounds, many of them are really far friends in school and I had FOMO - “fear from church, but they still listen to me with of missing out.” I would compare myself to interest. other kids at school and think that I didn’t Y: What do you think about our parish at have any friends. I didn’t really fit in with St. John’s? Are we a tight-knit group of anyone. I failed to realize that I had great people? friends at St. John’s. Looking back, now A: I’ve been to many different parishes, and I really cherish this. It feels good to be I’ve noticed within each parish, especially around a lot of people who are on the same in the smaller parishes up North, their spiritual path as you. community is akin to a little tribe/family. We Y: Does religion affect who you see as a have a large parish, we’re talking hundreds friend? of parishioners, and yet we gather together A: No, Orthodoxy has never negatively in one place every week. I like that. That’s 11 really impressive. Our parish is grand, and The youth are participating in the dance yet our parish feels like a home. We made ensemble and in scouts, which is amazing, certain changes to make people feel more but they’re not coming to church. I initially welcome. For example, inserting Russian thought, “Hey, they might be busy with texts instead of Church Slavonic texts school,” but how come that’s not the case for certain readings so that everyone can in other parishes? Are the only educated understand better. ROCOR teens located in St John’s, hence Y: Are you involved in any activities around their constant absence? Who knows? My the parish? theory is that they might not see a reason A: I used to be an altar server for around a to go: church might seem boring to a young decade, and now I’ve been in the choir for person. It happened to me too - I went out of the past couple of years. Also, even though guilt. I used to think that people showed up I’m not officially a reader, I have been doing in church and just stood there. Everything, some reading during the service. As for the chants, the incense, was just a big youth activities, I’m part of the Matreshki theater-type show designed to be symbolic. Dance Ensemble, and a member of Russian I didn’t know how to pray. Were you just scouts (St. George’s Pathfinders). supposed to say “Lord have mercy” in your Y: Please share your experiences outside head over and over again until the service of St. John’s. Did you take part in any ended? events organized by ROCOR? One summer I went to the Jordanville A: Yes, I participated in St. Herman’s Summer Boys Camp. At first, I understood Conference. That year the conference was nothing. I thought the monastery was like a hosted in Washington, DC. I remember Jedi temple, with the monks walking around standing in our church and being amazed: in black robes, almost training to become so much youth! I wish St. John’s had more warriors in their own right (fighters of evil). youth singing in the choir. I’ve noticed that That kept me interested, and I listened in every single church that I’ve been to (on closely as the monks told us more about the East coast at least), at least half of the Orthodoxy. choir is made up of teens or young adults. Y: Can you elaborate on your seminary But not here, unfortunately. It breaks my experience at Jordanville? heart. You know, my greatest fear is that A: Back in 2018, I was extremely one day there will be no one left here. disappointed with my local community Y: What do you think is the reason for lack college. I wanted to drop out and focus of youth engagement in parish life at St. on my creative pursuits. I understood, John’s? however, that the industry I wanted to work A: There are several things going on here. in was full of terrible things, and I felt I had 12 to learn a thing or two about good and evil. what’s morally detrimental to society is I decided to go to Jordanville for a semester. actually fun, and that the concept of “evil” This was where my love for film-making is really arbitrary and is defined by the and photography blossomed. I got my first individual. Dangerous, but it’s happening camera there. I wanted to go to services, as we speak. learn more about my religion, and finally Y: What are your plans for the future? answer the question: “Why am I Orthodox?” A: I love making music and films, and I One of the fun things about Jordanville is want to create. But I don’t want to be an that whatever problems you had at home “all or nothing” person who moves to LA don’t go away when you go there. The biggest and waits tables until he makes a break. mistake that you can make is thinking that This is a dangerous path: it makes you this is a retreat of some sorts. Nope. All the dependent. You rely solely on the opinions issues you had at home grow tenfold when of other people, on luck, fortune, whatever you come to Jordanville. I remember one of you want to call it. I realized that it doesn’t the monks there told me that it takes one hurt to try a different route, one with less demon to control a city, but there are legions thorns along the way. I plan to transfer to at a monastery. As crazy as it might sound, the University of Maryland, get a degree, it is true. At Jordanville you have to confront and work toward my goals quietly here in yourself: you have to look at yourself in the DC. mirror and realize that being a so-called Y: Last question: do you have any advice “good person” is not enough. The bar is for youth growing up in the Orthodox raised much, much higher. Church in this country? Y: Can you tell me a little about the creative A: Yes. If you feel like you’re going to pursuits that you wanted to focus on? church because your mom is forcing you, A: Over the past few years I’ve been very don’t be mad at her: she’s doing it out of invested in creating films, screenplays, love. Be patient. Seriously! You might not music, etc. I love it all. I love cinema! I understand why you’re going there - tough believe it was Stanley Kubrick or Francis it out. The Church does not take anything Ford Coppola that once said: “Cinema is away from you, it does not hurt you, or the strongest form of propaganda.” Media inhibit the quality of your life, but rather is a powerful tool that can be harnessed to the contrary - whatever good things you change society. You can create a film that want in life will come flying towards you is very Christian, even though it doesn’t if you take the road less traveled. Seek the mention the Bible or the Scriptures. Just Lord, and even if you’re not really sure why, look at “The Lord of the Rings.” You can your life will change in ways one could only also make a film that convinces you that dream of. That’s just how it works. 13 Orthodox Small Business Focus Madam Doula Business Profile

Dear fellow St. John’s Parishioners, I am so excited to share my new small business Madam Doula, with you! After months of classes, studying, and praying I have decided to open my own birth and postpartum doula business to serve the mothers, fathers, and families of our community.

Birth and postpartum are special times in the life of a family. In the past mothers- to-be were surrounded by relatives and experienced elders who guided and supported them during this delicate time. Unfortunately, most of us lack the practical, informational, and emotional support the village used to provide us.

That is why I’ve decided to go into doula as Orthodox Christians all our biggest work. I believe every mother, father, and moments of life are marked with prayer and family deserves the support they need to the support of other faithful. Birth should feel empowered during birth and ready to be no different because we need spiritual thrive as parents! I am especially passionate strength just as much as we need emotional, about serving Orthodox families because physical, and educational support!

If you or someone you know is looking for a birth and/or postpartum doula you can visit my website www.madamdoula.com To find out more information about my services you can email me at [email protected] or call/text 703-895-8660

Hope you are all staying safe and sane! Katya Daily 14 Candlelight: Unveiling Parish Talents Marina Zacharin’s Artwork

Children Participate in Coloring Activity at St. George House Following the Children’s Divine Liturgy We hope to offer an activity for our on July 25, preschoolers with their preschoolers at least once per month after parents gathered at St. George’s House children's liturgies. for snacks and a coloring activity about Please watch for further St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco. announcements. Families enjoyed refreshments and fellowship and had a chance to reconnect while toddlers colored an illustration of Saint John with the children. Children were also given a one- page handout about the life of Saint John from the publication, "The Life of Saint John, Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco for Young People" by Maria Naumenko. 15 How You Can Help St. John’s our parish hall and the church garden. Additionally, our Sisterhood continues to support seven needy families, cleans and repairs vestments, purchases items for the kiosk, helps to provide flowers in the church and donates to needy monasteries and other causes including St John’s.

We are fervently reaching out to our faithful at this critical time to do their part and help the parish – our common treasure – to fulfill its God-appointed mission. Please continue to support our parish and our sisterhood with your assistance and donations. If you would like to share your story, creative works, or your business, please contact The Parishioner team at: [email protected] Finally, every monetary offering – no matter During the past four months as we have how small – is vital for us. coped with Covid-19, most of us have had to Please click on this link to donate: quarantine at home. The clergy and choirs https://stjohndc.org/en/donate of St. John’s have continued with all services and we have been able to commune close Thank you so much! to 1,000 people during this period, while In XC, hundreds more have gratefully watched our Fr. Victor Potapov live-stream. In addition, we have tackled several important projects, and maintained

Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist of Washington DC 4001 17th Street N.W., Washington, D.C., 20011-5302 Phone (202) 726-3000 www.stjohndc.org

Support St John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church and Protection of the Theotokos Sisterhood Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist 4001 17th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20011-5302