[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF RUSSIAN ORTHODOXY IN AMERICA

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                            HON. HERB KLEIN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 1994

  Mr. KLEIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 200th 
anniversary of the establishment of the Russian Orthodox Church in 
America.
  The early relationship between the Russian Church and the Native 
Alaskan cultures has been highlighted in a Library of Congress exhibit 
entitled ``In the Beginning Was the Word.'' It was with great pleasure 
that I joined with President Clinton and President Boris Yeltsin at the 
opening of this exhibit. I commend this exhibit because, given the 
current changes being experienced in Russia, there is a great deal of 
insight we can draw from the role the Russian Orthodox Church has 
played in our region for the last two centuries.
  In 1794, eight Russian priests accompanied the arrival of the first 
official Russian envoy to North America. While conversion was among the 
primary goals of the mission, it is important to note that the Russian 
Orthodox method prohibited coercion. The respect of the Russian 
Orthodox Church towards the North American culture laid the groundwork 
for a unique merging of two culturally-rich peoples. This bond of 
tolerance and understanding between these eight Russian priests and the 
Native Alaskans led to the establishment of a significant Russian 
Orthodox presence in this country.
  Russian Orthodox culture has flourished throughout our Nation ever 
since. First, sprang a large community that would leave lasting effects 
from the Aleutian islands through the length of the Pacific coast. Now, 
Russian Orthodox Churches can be found throughout North America, 
enriching the lives of both those who belong to the church and those 
fortunate enough to live in the surrounding communities. The church has 
established an incomparable legacy of spirituality and dedication to 
education.
  The Russian Orthodox Church has also contributed much to the 
philosophical framework of the United States. Our modern political 
state and our religious institutions can prosper together because of a 
dynamic envisioned during the establishment of Russian Orthodoxy. It 
was a recognition of the double allegiance of sacerdotium and 
imperium--or church and state--which can be dated back to the time of 
Basil I in the ninth century. It was their view that the two 
institutions should abide and operate in perfect concord and agreement, 
respecting and recognizing each other's rights. This understanding has 
enabled Russian Orthodoxy to persevere through a millennium of 
political tumult.
  It is important for all Americans to try to understand the broad 
scope of the sweeping social and political changes in Russia. It is in 
our best interest to see democracy and the free practice of religion 
guaranteed in modern Russia. The rehabilitation of the Russian Orthodox 
church has given us the opportunity to explore our shared beliefs and 
to fully appreciate the resplendent history of the Russian Orthodox 
Church in America and throughout the world.
  As we commemorate the landmark 200th anniversary of the meeting of 
these two cultures, we are embarking on a new era of relations between 
Russians and Americans. ``In the Beginning Was the Word'' represents 
the first time our two nations have united in official recognition of 
the rich history between our peoples. It also reminds us that the 
meetings between the Russian Orthodox Church and the native North 
Americans are a precedent for the expanded relationships we now seek.

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