ABOUT We

"I stand as if before an eternal riddle, before a great and story like country"
Vladimir Vysotski, "Cupolas, A song about Russia"

Eternal Russia, by Ilya Glazunov (see full size)

Russia is one of the greatest, most significant, yet least understood countries on the globe. Having a history that stretches well past 1000 years Russia is not only rich as a land, but is the source of some the earth's brightest minds in the arts, sciences, and humanities, as well as great holy men and women. Its history is full of both glorious moments, such as the Kievan period and the golden 19th century, as well as tragedy, such as the Mongol yoke and the Soviet period. It includes within its cultural span not only ethnic Russians but peoples of other nationalities who consider Russia their motherland and contribute to its legacy.

The subject of much admiration, wonder, and envy, Russia deserves a thoughtful exploration and careful understanding first and foremost by its own people. There are many, many Russians, and even more people of Russian descent, who live outside of Russia. In many cases they have only a superficial knowledge of their country's past and present. Their immersion in multi-ethnic cosmopolitan oriented American and Canadian societies, where ethnic culture and religion is frequently treated not as the "core" but merely the "decor" of a person, can be quite a stumbling block to overcome. The same can be said for denigrating western stereotypes and myths about Russian culture and history, which all too often are allowed to thrive unchallenged.

Russia's 20th century tragedy, the communist era, and the horrible reprocussions it bought is yet another reason why many Russians abroad have a difficulty embracing today's Russia. Watching from the west, it is hard to see and understand the Russian revival that is happening today.

The magazine We was started by a group of students at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Its goal is to discuss Russia and Orthodox Christianity, with a particular focus on Russia's 20th century tragedy and spiritual crisis. Questions such as "What is nationalism? What is the meaning of service to one's country? How does the Orthodox church relate to Russia? How has the Soviet legacy affected the Russian people and nation?" and others are explored in depth.

We is not only targeted towards Russians living in Russia and the "near diaspora" (Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Baltics, the Caucases), but all people of Russian descent living on the world's five continents.

This English language webpage of We was created with the purpose of helping those who are interested in the Russian legacy and Orthodox faith to learn more, without the obstacle of a language barrier. Here you will find select articles from We translated into English. We also invite discussions of those articles and other Russian/Orthodox related issues in English or Russian.

The We project is based on an all volunteer staff of students living throughout Russia and abroad. We can always use your help: help with spreading the word about the magazine, help translating articles into Russian (credit gladly given), and tax deductible contributions towards the magazine.

If anything that you read on our site gives you a better appreciation of Russia and your Russian heritage, if it makes you interested in learning more and deepening your understanding, then We has done its job!

Sincerely,

George Selinsky
Representative of We in the United States and Canada.

How to subscribe to/contribute to We: A one year subscription to We in the Russian language (6 issues) costs $20. The magazine will be mailed to you directly from Russia. Discounts are also available for those who wish to sell the magazine. We also welcome contributions in any amount to help with our expenses. Please send a check made out to the "Russian Research Foundation", and mail it to Rostislav Polchaninoff, 6 Baxter Ave., New Hyde Park, NY, 11040-3905. If you want to subscribe to the magazine, please note "subscription" in the memo of the check and include a note with your valid mailing address. If you wish to contribute please note "contribution to 'We'" in the memo. Please do not mail cash. Those interested in selling the magazine please contact George Selinsky at: We thanks you for your interest and your help!