The Mother Church of Russian Catholics - St. Catherine's Church, St. Petersburg, Russia - founded in 1763.

In the lovely city of St. Petersburg which was once the capital of Russia, there is the largest and most venerable of Russian Catholic churches. The church of St. Catherine built in the reign of Catherine the Great is a building of outstanding architectural merit reflecting the great importance it has always had for the Church in Russia. One could say that St. Catherine's was the heart of the Russian Catholic Church until the communist regime closed it. For years it was locked and neglected and finally a fire completely destroyed the interior.

After the fall of communism the restoration of St. Catherine's church began and was rededicated in 1996.

THE MOTHER OF GOD CHAPTER RUSSIAN APOSTOLATE

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE DOMINICAN RUSSIAN APOSTOLIC MISSION

The Dominican Russian Apostolate actually began over 700 years ago. It was inspired by the exhortation St. Dominic (1170-1221) gave to his friars, "We must sow the seed, not hoard it" (Jarret 70). And then he sent them out, two by two, from their safe havens, to all parts of the known world, to become "champions of the faith and the true lights of the world." So you see, it's not hard for me to understand why some Dominicans are both traveler and planter of seeds as they travel the highways and byways.

Like our Lord, Dominic's field of apostolic work, to the very end of his life, was the entire world. Nostalgia for his mission to the pagans found Dominic at the chapter meeting of 1221 organizing "regions that will be bases for undefined missions"--Scandinavia, which opened on to the great North, Poland, becoming to Russia, and Hungary, the gateway to Asia. Dominic's concept of universality defines the reason and need for a direct connection to the papacy, which was the source of all missions, and it gives Dominic's ecclesiastical vision a definitive direction" (Bedouelle 46).

St. Dominic longed to reach Tartary (Russia) but never reached his apostolic goal. "Dominic schemed and toiled to get into Tartary; again and again his blood was shed in the effort to Christianize a nation that had demonstrated time after time that it did not want Christianity" (Dorcy 155-156).

The people of our time know, very well, that over the past 700 years, the seeds of faith have, indeed, been planted in Russia. And Mary, the Mother of God, continues to call her Dominican children to work in her beloved vineyard.

Early 20th century witnessed a revolution that sent Holy Mother Church in Russia reeling back in time to almost 2000 years when the early Christians were murdered, persecuted, and sent to prison rather than deny their faith and belief in the existence of God. The Communist revolution was a total uprising against God. Like the early Christians, the Church in Russia was forced to go underground into the catacombs. "The Communists turned the great Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan in St. Petersburg into a museum of atheism. It then became the center of world militant atheism, and the Communist Party's official publications were produced on the printing presses which they installed in the crypt.

�Following the 1917 Revolution, the Communists seized all the Church's treasures and stored them in warehouses, and the use or possession of any article of religious significance was outlawed. In 1936, the Communist destroyed the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan in Moscow" (Tindal-Robertson 71) which housed the original Icon of Our Lady of Kazan. While churches burned, Lenin could be heard shouting, "Where is your God now?" And from the rubble and smoke of these smoldering ashes OUR LADY RESPONDED to Lenin's ridicule by appearing on the other side of Europe, at Fatima, and spoke specifically of Russia, promising that "in the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph... Russia will be converted!" Six times she called Western Christendom to prayer, conversion, penance and consecration to her Immaculate Heart, so that Russia would be converted instead of becoming Satan's henchman and the ruin of countless souls. For Our Lady added to her appeal, 'If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted; if not it will spread its errors throughout the whole world, unleashing wars and religious persecutions. Many good people will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer and entire peoples will be destroyed'. God confirmed these words with the miracle of the sun" (Tindal-Robertson 80).

Somehow, the original Icon of Our Lady of Kazan was smuggled out of Russia, and in 1950, the year Pope Pius XII proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption, it was found in Farleigh castle in England. It was recognized as authentic by the Grand Duchess Zenia, and through the tests of experts its true identity was firmly established. In 1963 the Blue Army constructed a large Byzantine chapel in Fatima, Portugal, and duly "redeemed" the priceless Icon enshrined therein, to await its return to "Holy Mother Russia"
Fatima Russia & Pope John Paul II, Timothy Tindal-Robertson 1992).

Living in Moscow at the time of the 1917 revolution was a most outstanding couple, Anna (1882-1936) and Vladimir (1880-1966) Abrikosov. After reading St. Catherine of Siena's Dialogue and works of Henri Lacordaire, O.P., they wished to learn more about the faith. "After a year in Rome studying theology they were received into the Catholic communion at the Church of the Magdalene in Paris in 1909" (Nichols 165).

Upon their return to Russia, the Abrikosovs found a group of Dominican tertiaries which had been established earlier by a certain Natalie Rozanova. They were received into the Third Order, circa 1911, by Albert Libercier, O.P. of the Muscovite Church of St. Louis.

During the winter of 1910, the Abrikosovs entertained a young seminarian named, Leonid Fedorov (1879-1935) from St. Petersburg. Leonid's widowed mother ran a restaurant much frequented by another convert to Catholicism, Vladimir Soloviev (1853-1900). It was through many conversations and discussions that Leonid was inspired to take his faith more seriously, and after high school he entered the St. Petersburg Ecclesiastical Academy. Leonid later became 'Exarch of the Greek Catholic Church of Russia. His "overall objective was the corporate reconciliation of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches via that of their respective hierarchies" (Nichols 167). It's not hard to see and compare Soloviev's influence in Leonid's thinking. "Soloviev's apocalyptic ecclesiological speculations included dreams of co-operation between the Tsar, as Christ's representative in his kingly office, and the Pope, his representative in the priestly office" (Nichols 165).

Pope John Paul II writes about Soloviev, "The theology of the Fathers, especially in the East, broke away more and more from Plato and from philosophers in general. Philosophy itself, in the Fathers, ends up in theology (as in the case, for example, in modern times, of Vladimir Soloviev (John Paul II 29)." He was perhaps Russia's greatest philosopher, as well as, poet, and mystic.

In retrospect, Professor J. Joseph Lake (currently teaching Russian Language and Literature, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst) makes the following remarks, "Soloviev's entire work, and his faith were the outcome of three visions of what he called the Eternal Lady, Friend. They were clearly visions of the Mother of God. What she wants for the world, and which might come from the conversion first of Russia, with its long history of deep devotion to the Mother of God. This wish is for unity in One Faith, a unity that Soloviev names "Vseedinstvo" - "All-unity" in Russian. It is this union in the body of Christ which we can all seek to further in our Russian Apostolate."

After a year's novitiate, circa 1913, the Abrikosovs went to Rome to make religious professions. There Pope Pius X bestowed a special blessing on their apostolate to their fellow Russians. "Though they wished to join the Latin rite....Canon Law allowed them to worship in that rite but they would belong to that of the Byzantine-Slavs" (Nichols 164).

Anna clandestinely taught catechism classes, and worked in kindergartens. She established her home in Moscow as a haven for worshippers, and became known as Moscow's Sister Catherine of Siena. On the feast of St. Dominic, 1917, the lady of the house became Mother Ekaterina Sienkaya, with her erstwhile fellow-tertiaries now her religious subjects. She would have a fully-fledged conventual priory of Dominican women, devoted to the intellectual apostolate, in the setting of a Byzantine liturgical life in the Russian tradition" (Nichols 167)

Vladimir was ordained to the Eastern Rite priesthood by Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, the Uniate Metropolitan of Lvov, on May 29, 1917. Though Eastern Rite priests can marry, the Abrikosov couple had vowed to live in celibacy.

"Catherine's letters to Vladimir in future years, however, reveal that much true love endured in their relationship to the end. And so far as we know, Mother Ekaterina Sienskaya is the last Dominican sister of the Third Order Regular in Russia. However, we do know that she wore the Dominican habit and carried in a darkening land the torch of truth. In March 1936, Mother Ekaterina died of cancer in a prison camp. Her body was cremated on July 27, 1936" (Swift 29-30).

"It is a Christian truth of wide application that out of suffering, born in an evangelical spirit, does the desert bloom. The suffering which both purified and warmed Mother Ekaterina's heart may also provide a valuable education of feeling for those involved in the ecumenical task today" (Nichols 171).

THE TORCH IS PASSED TO A NEW GENERATION

In early September 1993, Fr. Romanus Cessario, O.P. told a group of Lay Dominicans in the Washington, D.C. area about his recent trip to Russia. The story moved the hearts and minds of many, and in particular, Judith Mahoney.

The news of Fr. Cessario's journey reached West Springfield, Massachusetts a short time later. Fr. John Carrigan, O.P. told the story of Fr. Cessario's trip to members of the Mother of God Chapter. Again, the story stirred many hearts and minds, and in particular, Gail Waterman, and Prof. Joseph Lake.

Ironically (or providentially), Prof. Lake was planning a business trip to Russia for the University of Massachusetts Student Exchange Program in December. And while in St. Petersburg, he planned to spend his free time researching the history of the Catholic church, and Dominican Order. After having taught Russian for many years, he knew that many people suffered, were arrested, and sent to prison camps. Many were martyred for their faith. He feels that we should learn about their lives so that their experience will be known and valued as it should be by all people. He hoped to contact Lay Dominicans that might be living there, with the hope of establishing communication with our chapter, and ultimately exchange visits someday. He also hoped to someday write a book about Catholicism in Russia, the Dominican Order, and the Church of Russia.

A few months earlier, I had the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to Fatima--to see and pray at all the holy sites I dreamed and read about all my life--to relive those marvelous events that occurred there in 1917, and visit the convent in Coimbra where Sr. Lucy (the oldest visionary) resides, was an experience I shall never forget. I also had the privilege and pleasure of attending Mass, and witnessed the profession of one of our Dominican Nuns (who is from Springfield, MA) at Pius XII monastery, and visited with Third Order Dominican Sisters at Casa Das Irmas, a hostel they maintain for pilgrims.

One of the pilgrims urged me to go to the Byzantine chapel at the Domus Paces building and look at the famous icon, "Our Lady of Kazan" before leaving Fatima. I must confess, I never heard of the icon before. And so, to satisfy my curiosity, while others in the group went on a sightseeing trip one afternoon, I set out to find the Domus Paces building. Upon entering this very austere looking Byzantine chapel, I was awestruck by the pervading stillness in the air and, surprised too, that nobody else was there. I expected the chapel to packed with pilgrims but I was the only one there. I walked over to the side of the chapel where the holy icon was displayed, and knelt down in a pew beside it. After awhile, a gentle peace settled from within and I began to pray the rosary.

Later, I read that "The history of this Icon dates back to 1547 when a fire destroyed the Russian city of Kazan on the Volga river. Eight-year old Matrona had a vision of Our Lady who instructed her to search for an icon under the debris of her parent's home. No one believed the little girl until Our Lady appeared a third time, saying: If you do not proclaim my message, I will appear in another city and a grave misfortune will overtake this place. St. Sergei, one of the greatest saints in the history of Russia announced that this sacred image of Our Lady of Kazan would be the rallying point of the people, and that it would be the means of saving and establishing the Russian nation. This indeed happened in a short space of time, so that the image became known as the Liberatrix and Protectress of Holy Mother Russia" (Tindale-Robertson 70).

Upon my return home I shared the joy of this pilgrimage to Fatima with everyone I met. But there was always this lingering thought or desire to do something more then just pray for Russia. But what and how?

The answer came as Prof. Lake and I expressed a mutual interest in the people of Russia. We agreed that what is most important is to establish a simple communication with our brethren in Russia, and perhaps even exchange visits in the future. However, the challenge was--how do we do this?

During the course of our conversation, we discovered that we both have computers (with modems) connected to the University of Massachusetts computer communication system. Hence, upon returning to our homes, we wasted no time in testing this communication system. We felt that our computer e-mail (electronic mail) would serve as a means to document our efforts. Little did we realize then that in less then a year the computer e-mail would not only document our efforts, it would also put us in touch with our brethren in Russia, and indeed the whole world. The computer internet will serve as the vehicle to travel on the information superhighway. Would not our father St. Dominic be in his glory to travel this superhighway to "preach the Word of God".

Since time was of the essence, Joe needed to get in touch with Fr. Cessario, as soon as possible, before leaving for Russia. He sent him a message by fax. Fr. Cessario responded with a quick reply, giving Joe the names of Dominican priests to contact in Russia which included: Fr. Alexander Khmelnitsky, O.P. in Moscow, Fr. Michel Amara-Poignet, and Pavel Konyakov, a Lay Dominican.

We learned after reading the September 1991 issue of "International Dominican Information" (IDI) that Fr. Khmelnitsky speaks perfect English and "is very active in the apostolate of the printed word. He has an old offset machine, a computer and a printer. At present he brings out a little magazine every two months, but he hopes eventually, to have a daily bulletin. He has been appointed Parish Priest of the two Russian speaking Catholic parishes in Moscow (IDI 100). Fr. Khmelnitsky is also editor of a diocesan journal in Moscow, "Istina i Zhizn (Truth and Life).

Fr. Michel Amara-Poignet, is a young French secular priest and scholar, assigned to the parish of St. Catherine's Church in St. Petersburg, and works with and is very close to the Dominican Order. He holds weekly meetings at St. Catherine's with a group composed almost entirely of young people, many of them converts. Its focus is on theology and philosophy. Pavel Konyakov is the oldest member of the group.

Pavel teaches at the theological academy of St. Thomas Acquinas. (Joe learned later that the St. Thomas Acquinas Academy is bereft of materials, etc., and in the spirit of "The lay faithful are called to help each other toward greater holiness of life even through their secular activity, so that the world may be penetrated with the spirit of Christ and more effectively attain its purpose in justice, love and peace" (Lumen Gentium," 36), Joe hoped to be able to help with this, and in general, get to know our fellow lay Dominicans, to learn from each other, and to share a life in the spirit.)

Before Joe's departure for Russia, we went to Mass at the Dominican Nuns Mother of God Monastery in Springfield. Our beloved late Bishop John J. Marshall (Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts) celebrated the Mass. After Mass we visited with Sisters Mary Pure Heart, O.P., Sub-prioress and Librarian, and Mary of the Sacred Heart to seek their prayers and guidance in our quest to research and communicate with our brethren in Russia. They provided us with much helpful information and reading material, and assured us of their prayers. As we were leaving, we met Fr. Carrigan and Bishop Marshall in the corridor. Fr. Carrigan told Bishop Marshall of Joe's forthcoming journey to Russia, and Joe proceeded to tell the Bishop of our efforts to establish communication with our brethren there. Fr. Carrigan asked the bishop to impart his blessing upon Joe for a safe and successful journey. While assenting to Father's request, Joe dropped to his knees, the bishop looked at me and made a motion for me to come forward and receive this special blessing also. Hence, I stepped forward and knelt down beside Joe. Subsequently, we felt that Bishop Marshall's blessing was a confirmation of what we were trying to do must be pleasing to God and our Lady.

Joe arrived in St. Petersburg the first week of December. He was there on the 8th to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and attended Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes church (the old French Embassy in St. Petersburg). After Mass he spent the remainder of the morning visiting with Fr. Michel Amara-Poinet, the young French priest (from Angers in central France) serving at St. Catherine's church in St. Petersburg. Fr. Michel was more than cordial, providing hospitality and information re the Dominican presence in St. Catherine's parish. (The church of St. Catherine had been closed throughout the Communist period, its pastor Fr. Budkiewicz was shot, martyred at the command of a revolutionary "court" in 1923. The structure had been prevented from becoming a concert hall only by an "accidental" fire which destroyed the interior.)

Joe also had an opportunity to speak briefly with Pavel Konyakov on the phone.....there was reason to believe the phone lines were tapped. Nonetheless, contact was made with Pavel, our brother in St. Dominic.

Upon Joe's return to the U.S., we commenced a letter writing campaign and sent correspondence to Fr. Michel, Pavel, and Fr. Alex Khmelnitsky, O.P. in Moscow. It was common knowledge that the postal system in Russia is very slow and unreliable (although recent correspondence proves otherwise), and felt sometimes that the best and surest way then was by courier, i.e., if Prof. Joe knew of someone traveling there, he would ask them to take the letter and personally deliver it.

We also talked about about taking a trip to Russia the following summer to do research there but the trips were eventually cancelled due to the uncertainty and unrest there. (Little did we realize--God had another trip in mind, i.e., a family pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., in June.

As time went on, we realized that that our efforts and work needed to have a title or name, as a point of reference. And we wanted to keep the seed growing in the Dominican family. Thus, it was dubbed, "The Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate" (DRLA).

The Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate has two goals. The first is to establish any connections that we can with Catholics, and especially Lay Dominicans, in Russia. The Order has a very interesting presence there, and it is very active today. We think that we could write to one another with the goal of getting to know one another's traditions, offering support, for example, with books and materials for the theology academies and seminaries, establishing communications, exchanging information about our various apostolates, and eventually visiting each other's homes.

The second goal is to do research on the history of the Church, and the Order, in Russia. We think that more should be known about this, especially about those who have suffered and gave their lives there, so that we can further the traditions of unity between the Churches that has been a very important part of Orthodox and Catholic traditions during this century.

We met weekly at St. Mary's church in Northampton because Mass was followed by a Blue Army cell meeting. We asked Our Lady to "grant success to the Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate." After discussing DLRA matters, and due to a lack of knowledge, the problems and frustrations we encountered with our computers, our meeting concluded with the Liturgy of Hours.

In February 1994, Prof. Joe received a phone call from Judith Mahoney, Immaculate Conception Chapter, Washington, D.C. She expressed enthusiastic interest in the Russian Apostolate (Fr. Cessario had given her his name and phone number to contact). He sent her a follow-up letter (dated 2/17/94) confirming telephone contact telling her that "we just keep sending communications, until we knock at the right door. It is very important to be sure not to give the impression that we think we are going to Russia as missionaries, to convert people from Russian Orthodoxy. This has never been the approach of the Vatican, just the opposite."

Perhaps the need to emphasize the importance of this approach was motivated after reading "Where Orthodox and Catholics Meet" (Prelec, Leila 24-36), a Special Report published in the Catholic World Report (February 1994). Joe was so moved by the story he sent a response to the editor, in which he referred to the "Heroic efforts of the faithful had led, by 1917--the very year of the Revolution as cruel irony would have it--to the establishment of an exarchate and the legalization by Provisional Government of what had been a semi-clandestine movement."

God doth have His marvelous ways of communicating--after reading the biographic sketch of Fr. John P. Kenrick, O.P., the First Vicar of Russia and Ukraine" (IDI, Oct. 1993, p. 143), we decided to attend a Eucharistic Liturgy at a nearby Ukrainian Catholic church. The role icons and music play a rich religious and cultural heritage of Byzantine. "The Orthodox Church has also adhered to the original form of communion "under both kinds," that is, partaking of the Bread and the Wine" (Benz 39).

The icons at the Descent of the Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic church were being painted over in celebration of their 75th anniversary, by a master iconographer who was exiled 10 years ago from the former Soviet Union when it was discovered he was a practicing Christian.

Fr. Basil Juli, pastor said, "When gazing upon an icon of the Virgin Mary, for example, one can begin thinking about maternal love, one's relationship with one's own mother, or the concept of purity." Add the fragrance of incense, and candles flickering on stands in colored glass holders, and the result is an air of mystery and holiness that invites contemplation. It's that air of reverence that Fr. Juli hopes to enhance with the new icons.

When we visited Fr. Juli at the rectory the following Wednesday, we learned that he has quite an impressive background in the church, which includes several years as director of novices in various seminaries. He told us about the struggle of the Ukrainian Church from its very beginning to the present day, and loaned us books from his library. We felt so blessed after visiting our Ukrainian Catholic brethren, that we were inspired to continue working in this vineyard.

We were also very blessed to have wonderful support and encouragement from Fr. John Carrigan, O.P., our religious promoter, the Dominican Nuns, and our moderator, Rose Marie Nathan.

Fr. Cessario has encouraged us to form a sub-group on the national level of those interested in implementing such cooperation. There has also been a great deal of interest expressed in this apostolate by a member of the Immaculate Conception Chapter in Washington, D.C. For this to bear fruit we need names and addresses in Russia, as well as the blessing of the order there. We have prepared a letter for Fr. Kendrick detailing our ideas and could send it via courier, but we do not have his address at this point in time. We will take care of the rest. We can supply communications, language skills, translation, books correspondence, hospitality and interest.
2. In general, we are researching Catholicism, as well as the history of the Dominican Order in Russia. Dominicans were three working as ecumenical �activists� in the Eastern Rite (Catholic) Church. there were arrested and suffered in the Communist camps. we owe it to them to try to know and to continue their apostolate. So too with the rest of the movement toward Catholicism in Russia since the mid-nineteenth century--little is known. We do know that there were many famous Russians, among them tow great philosopher/poets, who were converts with a mission of ecumenism in the tradition of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
3. We have met and gotten to know Fr. Michel Amara-Poignet, a young French priest in St. Petersburg. He is not a Dominican, but he works at St. Catherine parish in St. Petersburg, and is training a number (20 or so) Russians (many are young converts) in theology. Fr. Michel has asked us to help him publish a work on moral theology (in Russian) for his students use. We are in contact with him and trying to further this project in every way we can.
4. We want to make use of the electronic media (information superhighway) in compliance with the four priorities of the Order. We want to know, in the spirit of St. Dominic, that the Order is, as ever, ready for the road--in this case, the information super highway. Specifically, we could establish an electronic address for communications among American Dominicans, especially those interested in Russia. This effort could be expanded world-wide. Our modest beginnings been limited to the use of our home computers to communicate with one another. We hope to be able build a research library with Catholic and Dominican history and liturgies.
5. We have telephoned, written and faxed some twenty-five letters. We do not want particularly to send money, since that is not where we are strong. We want rather to share communications, books, ideas, visits, ourselves, our knowledge of the Order, and whatever else can be done. All we need to know is who is there, what is needed, and whom we may address. We want a personal relationship of mutual support and learning.

A ray of hope. Prof. Lake received a letter from the Very Rev. John P. Kendrick, O.P., Vicar General of Russia and the Ukraine, in which he states that there is a thriving Third Order group in Moscow. He also expressed interest in making contact with Dominicans in the U.S. He further states: �I have a group who help to spread interest in our new work in Russia and also raise funds through such things as placing advertisements in Catholic newspapers. it would be helpful if similar willing souls could be found in the U.S. and other countries.�

Joe received a response (dated 5/6/94) from a letter he wrote to Boris Kovalenko (in St. Petersburg). Joe got Boris� address from the September 1991 IDI #101 issue. Boris writes about his interest in Leonid Fedorov, and that he is a graduate of St. Petersburg University. He is a plant ecologist and works at the department of Natural Protection. he also helps out in his parish of Catherine. his hobby is translating books from English to Russian (he has translated W. Hinnebausch�s �The Dominicans and Pilgrimage of Faith by D. Byrne, as well as other booklets and articles. He also mentioned that Prof. Julius Schreider associated with the Spiritual Dialogue Club in Moscow is perhaps the Prior of the thriving Third Order Chapter in Moscow, and added that �we should have an exchange in order to learn from them the fine history of the Order there.�

We spent months waiting for replies to our letters, and wondered if these people existed. Finally, Joe received a short response (dated 7/20/94) from Julius Schreider, who apologized for not answering sooner. he wrote, �For two months I was tending a sick mother. I am ready, with pleasure, to correspond with you. You could conduct discussions with the members of our society. I will be very glad to receive your letters and visits.
THE RUSSIAN APOSTOLATE CONTINUES TO GROW, AND GROW....

The following are twelve areas of development that occurred during the first year of establishing the Russian Apostolate.
1) Communication Via Postal Mail (snail mail) Established;
2) Donations for Printing Press in Moscow inaugurated;
3) Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate of Prayer Established;
4) First Visitor from Russia - Fr. Michel Amara-Poignet;
5) Dominicans Travelling On Internet Via Computer E-mail (6/9/94);
6) The First Dominican Laity Electronic Newsletter (7/15/95);
7) The First Dominican Family Global Electronic Magazine (8/1/94);
8) The First Dominican World Wide Web (WWW) Home Page (9/14/94);
9) The First Dominican Listserver at Berkeley (10/13/94);
10) Providence College On Internet (11/21/94);
11) Dominicans are now Travelling to Russia and All Over the World Via Internet;
12) Future Publication of Book(s) re Dominicans and Catholics in Russia (translations and research continue to be done by Professor Joseph Lake, University of Massachusetts Amherst.)

COMMUNICATION VIA POSTAL MAIL (snail mail) ESTABLISHED

The flame from the torch began to flicker again, as we prayed, and tried to wait patiently to receive acknowledgement of letters sent to our brethren in Russia.

Several weeks passed which seemed like ages. Finally, Professor Lake received a letter (dated May 6, 1994), from Boris Kovalenko, (whose address we extracted from an article in an old issue of IDI). Boris writes (verbatim); "Thank you for your wonderful letter I've just received. I was very surprised on reading Russian letter from United States from the Third Order Dominicans. I thought that I'd better write my answer in English though my English is much more weaker than your Russian. I also have a great interest in Dominican History and especially in modern one. I also have an interest in the influence of Western ideas on the Catholic Church in Russia. That's why the curriculum vitae of Fr. Leonid Fedorov is also interesting for me. I decided to send you the book "Leonid Fedorov" by deacon Vasily. I hope it'll help you very much. You can also use a great and perfect article in one of the last issues of "Logos" - magazine, printed in Bruxelles, Belgium. I hope, it's much easier to get it in USA, than in Russia. I have heard about a book by Prince Volkonsky, but I haven't even seen it.

I also have a question for you. I've heard that there is a Dominican College in New York. If it's true, could you help me to get some information about it. And if it's true is it possible for me to study religion, e.g. Theology, Church History in it.

Few words about myself for your better understanding. I am 36 years old. I graduated from St. Petersburg University as plant ecologist. I work at the Department of Natural Protection and I also try to help at our parish of St. Catherine. I also try to translate as a hobby some books from English into Russian and made translations of W. Hinnebusch's "The Dominicans" and the "Pilgrimage of Faith" by D. Byrne, and also some booklets and articles. So I met difficulties with my translations because I am not well educated. That's why I ask you to help me. God bless you! Sincerely yours in St. Dominic, B. Kovalenko. P.S. Do you know "Dominican Spirituality" by W. Hinnebusch. Is it possible to get it somewhere and is it worth to be translated? P.P.S. I've just read your letter (I am sure it was yours) in "the World Catholic Report". It's a good idea to publish something about Greek Catholic Church in Russia today, but this Church doesn't exist here now. I know about some attempts but they didn't have success!"

And finally, a letter (dated 8/19/94) arrived from Fr. Alexander Khmelnitsky, O.P. in Moscow. He wished to first correct the mistaken notion that the Spiritual Dialogue Club of Moscow "owes its existence to Mother Abrikosova". He wrote that "It was established by me in August, 1989 soon after my ordination. Regrettably, it has all but ceased to exist".

DONATIONS FOR PRINTING PRESS IN MOSCOW INAUGURATED*

And secondly, Fr. Khmelnitsky suggested another possible goal for assisting the Dominicans' ministry in Russia and indeed in many other former Soviet republics, that is, the establishment of a printing press which will serve as the material basis for our Information and Publishing Apostolate. This help provided the tertiaries take it close to heart may include a fund raising program or a search for some printing equipment to be donated. Naturally, the total cost of the project is quite considerable. But any contribution will be tremendously appreciated."

In another letter (dated June 24, 1994) from Fr. Khmelnitsky, gave more details on the history/background of the magazine "Istina i Zhzn "Truth and Life" which he edits and publishes. He wrote, "Truth and Life is a publishing house run by the Dominican Order for the Catholic diocese in Moscow. It started with the publication of a monthly of the same name, the first ever Catholic magazine in Russia. Its circulation is nearing 5,000 now. It is offered as a periodical for all Russian-speaking Catholics in Russia, Siberia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazkhstan, etc. In fact, nearly one third of the circulation is absorbed by Ukraine and Belarus despite the monetary difficulties....But Truth and Life magazine is not the only thing the publishing center produces. It is working on such pioneering liturgical publications as the Roman Missal in Russian, the first prayer book edited in proper and good Russian have been prepared. Small liturgical calendars for people were twice published at the cost of the center and at a loss. The same applies to the new Order of the Mass and an accompanying missalette for people also already published. A few more popular books have been prepared but are not published due to a lack of funds. The Truth and Life publishing house has been awarded by the Vatican exclusive rights to publish the Russian translation of the new Catechism of the Catholic Church." *Fr. Joseph P. Allen, O.P. Provincial Promoter of Dominican Laity, St. Joseph Province, kindly agreed to handle donations for this purpose. Contributions/donations may be sent to: Fr. Joseph P. Allen, O.P., St. Mary Priory, 5 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06505 or Dominican House of Studies, Attn: Dominican Laity c/o Fr. Joseph P. Allen, O.P., 487 Michigan Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20017. Checks may be made payable to: Dominican Laity with a notation/memo, "for Russian Apostolate"

THE DOMINICAN LAITY RUSSIAN APOSTOLATE OF PRAYER ESTABLISHED

Helen Zachary, lay Dominican for 25 years, and former moderator of the Corpus Christi Chapter, Menlo Park, California heard about the Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate and contacted Joe (by postal mail). Helen told about a letter she received from Fr. John P. Kenrick, O. P., Vicar of Russia and Ukraine (9/25/94) in which he outlined the needs of 19 Dominicans to support plus 14 in formation, and seven Dominicans houses to maintain with their churches, etc., which are often in need of extensive repairs. Fr. Kenrick wrote, "Part of our work is in publishing and altogether we produce at present five publications in Russian and Ukrainian. We also run a Catholic college in Kiev with 130 students doing a three year course and this costs a lot to maintain too, a total of $20,000 a year, which is not a lot by western standards but a lot for our impoverished vicariate. Our other work includes help for a school which caters for deaf and hearing impaired children in Kiev and our sisters in St. Petersburg who are hoping to open a school for orphans and homeless children. Please pray that their plans succeed and that the authorities help us to acquire the buildings necessary. You very kindly enquire in your letter whether we need rosaries, books and clothes. Some rosaries would indeed be useful. If you could send them to our address in Kiev I would be most grateful. The address is Very Rev. John Kenrick, O.P. KIEV 252 024, Vul. Kruglouniversitetska 15/6, Ukraine. We do not need clothes at present and our needs in books are very specific, i.e., Catholic literature in Russian and Ukrainian. We would like to publish a short breviary for the use of both priests and tertiaries but this will cost us about $6,000. If your chapter or other Catholics were able to help us raise this amount that would be an enormous help. Any donations should be sent to England to my London address (St. Dominic's Priory, Southampton Road, London NW5 4LB), since it is unsafe to send cheques etc. to Ukraine or Russia."

In a more recent letter, Helen suggested adding a third goal to the Russian Apostolate, i.e., "the Russian Apostolate of Prayer" for the following intentions: a) assist in daily prayer to our Lady and our dear Lord for the intentions of the General Vicariate of Russia and the Ukraine, Fr. Kenrick, in his desperate position with 10 Dominicans to support, plus 14 in formation with their churches which are often in need of extensive repairs, b) assist in daily prayer to support the Dominican Friars and Sisters in their efforts in establishing a school in Kiev for children with impaired hearing, and to open a school for orphans and homeless children in St. Petersburg. Also to pray that the authorities help them to acquire the necessary buildings, c) last but not least, to pray for the unity of faith and the reconciliation of the Catholic church and the Russian Orthodox church under their respective hierarchies, so strongly supported by the Popes in this century, by keeping its liturgy in tact but bring it into communion with Rome." (For more information re this part of the Apostolate, contact Helen Zachary, O.P.L. 1578 Peters Street, San Leandro, CA 94578).

THE FIRST VISITOR FROM RUSSIA - Fr. Michel Amara-Poignet

Fr. Michel Amara-Poignet, St. Catherine's Church in St. Petersburg sent us a note telling us that he would be visiting the United States in June and needed a place to stay. I contacted Sr. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Prioress, at the Dominican Nuns Mother of God Monastery, West Springfield, Massachusetts, and she graciously agreed to provide hospitality to Fr. Michel for the five days he would be in the West Springfield area (June 6-10).

While here Joe Lake and Fr. Michel discussed the translation of Father's thesis/manuscript. Fr. Michel also mentioned a need for a small Bible, and lectionary for celebrating the Liturgy, as well as books (theology and spiritual reading in English). He also mentioned a need for candles (bees wax).

We arranged to have Father interviewed by Fr. Bill Pomerleau, reportyer for the Springfield diocesan newspaper, "Catholic Observer. The interview was most successful. The article was published June 24, 1994. (Fore a copy of the interview, write to: Catholic Observer68 Elliot Street, P.O. BOX 1570, Springfield, MA 010001.

As a direct result of this article, Joe and I were guests on a local radio station talk show, which gave us the opportunity to tell the story of the Russian Apostolate to a larger audience. The program was aired September 18, 1994.

On Friday, June 10th, Fr. Michel departed from the Springfield area to continue his journey to other places in the United States.

Later that same day, Judy Mahoney arrived and spent the weekend at my house. We had a meeting with Joe and brainstormed additional ways to promote and serve the needs of our brethren in Russia.

Judy and I mixed a bit of pleasure with business and visited the nearby Yankee Candle company. We inquired about the cost of sending candles directly to St. Petersburg as opposed to making the candles ourselves.

Before returning to her home in Virginia on Monday, Judy attended our Chapter meeting on Sunday, and joined in the celebration of several candidates making first profession, including Professor Joseph Lake.

DOMINICANS TRAVELLING ON INTERNET VIA COMPUTER E-MAIL (6/9/94)

Our Chapter went on a pilgrimage (June 1994), sponsored by the St. Joseph Provincial Council, to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception National Shrine, and the Dominican House of Studies (this pilgrimage occurred around the same time we had planned our trip(s) to Russia but due to uncertainties there, the trip(s) were cancelled). While in D.C., Judy Mahoney introduced Joe and I to other members in her Chapter interested in the Russian Apostolate. Among them were Fran Griffin, Pat Jordan, Tom Martin, and Pedro Saavedra.

THE FIRST DOMINICAN LAITY ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER (7/15/95)

Joe wasted no time exchanging our computer e-mail addresses with
Tom Martin and
Pedro Saavedra


after learning they have computers (with modems), and are connected to "the Internet" (the Information Superhighway). The Internet is a sprawling collection of computer networks that spans the globe, connecting government, military, educational and commercial institutions, as well as private citizens to a wide range of computer services, resources, and information.

Within a few days after returning to our homes, Joe figured out how to set up and use "an email distribution list" on the computer. Initially, the list consisted of four names; Joe, Tom, Pedro, and Gail. I was designated to maintain the distribution list. Thus, we began to challenge one of the Dominican Order's four priorities--mass media, and within a few weeks produced the first Dominican Laity Electronic Newsletter. We wanted to spread the "Good News" via e-mail (electronic mail), whether it be to share the fruits of contemplation, lectio divina, books, prayers, apostolates, etc. The main purpose is to promote the glory of God and family unity via this media. The means by which we hope to accomplish this is to firmly establish "The Dominican Family Global Electronic Magazine" before the year 2000.

The first few days, the wires sizzled with the fire of His love back and forth from Massachusetts to Maryland. Tom and Pedro zealously cruised "the nets" seeking possible participants, and would send me the e-mail addresses of possible participants. I in turn would send an RSVP invitation (via email) to the addressee. If the RSVP was acknowledged with a positive response, I would then send and acknowledgement welcoming them, and ask them to send an introductory message for publication in the newsletter. Joe would follow through with a brief outline of the Russian Apostolate goals. It was so exciting (and still is)!

The first Dominican outside the St. Joseph Province was Karen Woods, moderator of St. Mary Magdalene Chapter, Tempe, AZ and editor of the Western Provincial Newsletter "Christ in the World". Karen was very instrumental in promoting our efforts to our brethren in the U.S. Western Province (Holy Name of Jesus). She immediately expressed interest in the Russian Apostolate and published Joe's article in her newsletter. The article captured the interest and enthusiasm of Helen Zachary who immediately contacted Joy by postal mail (because she doesn't have a computer) and told him about a similar project she is working on in California. Subsequently, Helen joined forces and among other things established the "Dominican laity Russian Apostolate of Prayer". Russian Apostolate in California. Subsequently, Helen established the "Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate of Prayer".

Karen's input and feedback was very helpful to me when setting up a format for the future "Dominican Family Global Electronic Magazine" (DF GEM).

Karen also put us in touch with Fr. Vincent Benoit, O.P., who is assigned to the Dominican Community of St. Thomas More in Eugene, Oregon, OR, and runs a computer Bulletin Board System (BBS) which is broadcasted to many other BBS's across the country (and Australia), and carried on the Catholic Information Network (CIN).

Another result of Pedro's posting was a message received from Andreas Bjorklind in Sweden (6/30/94). "Andreas writes, "I and my wife Carina are actively interested in Dominican life, and are trying to follow the rule. We are affiliated to the Stockholm tertiary group (led by Ms. Astrid Soderbergh-Widding). There are two groups of tertiaries in Sweden: Stockholm and Lund. Stockholm is near! We've been following the rule (or trying!) for 1 1/2 years, and still find the Dominican spirituality very "right". Please add me (and indirectly Carina) to the list!"

Tom made e-mail contact with Andrew Horsfield (Oxford University) who was willing to be a link with the Lay Dominicans in Oxford. Andrew (though not a Dominican) wrote (6/30/94), "The hope is that one day one of the Dominicans will discover the wonders of e-mail, and I will hand on the torch. In the meantime, however, I am very happy to pass on any messages you send this way." Andrew was willing to pass on messages to Ian Gardner (who does not have an Internet connection--yet), President of the Lay Dominican Fraternity at Oxford, England, U.K., and editor of the Lay Dominican newsletter for the English Province of the Order.

In addition to recognizing the hard work and dedication of our core team, it should be noted here that from the very beginning of the Russian Apostolate, Fr. Joh Carrigan, O.P., and Rose Marie Nathan, moderator of the Mother of God Chapter, West Springfield, MA, have been very supportive of our efforts, spiritually and financially, and for that we are grateful.

July 3rd, Fr. Clint Honkomp, O.P. (Oak Park, Illinois) responded to Pedro's posting on the "Catholic Mailing List" in which he requested Dominicans to identify themselves and communicate with him. Fr. Clint was the first Dominican father on the East coast to participate, so we unofficially dubbed him, "our internet chaplain".

THE FIRST DOMINICAN FAMILY GLOBAL ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE (8/1/94)

We forged ahead with a sense of empowerment by the Holy Spirit, ever vigilant of ways to grow, and improve the style and content of the Dominican internet electronic communication.

The following are samples of the kind of messages received and published: requests to be put on the DF GEM mailing/distribution list, information about the Order, Dominican spirituality, scripture, liturgy of the hours, lives of the saints, books, prayers, Chapter news, inquirers considering a Dominican vocation, announcements re ordinations, anniversaries, deaths, retreats, news from other Chapters, sharing of poems, prayers and personal experiences, as well as excerpts from Pope John Paul II's messages and encyclicals as well as other church documents. As time went on, it seemed necessary to make available a "Dominican Family Internet Intercessory Prayer Line" and "Dominican Family Internet Bullet Board" to accommodate the numerous requests and announcements received almost daily. These requests and announcements are forwarded immediately to all participants. The possibilities and uses for the Dominican Order on Internet are endless.

In a message from Jan Frederik Solom (dated 8/30/94), Oslo, Norway, he said, "Yes please, I would like to be placed on your email distribution list--just what I was looking for! I plan to set up a Dominican home page on the web (www) soon."

Jan Frederik is a lecturer in computer studies and classification theory, Oslo College, Dept. of Journalism, library and Information Studies.

In another message, Jan Frederik writes, "On Sept. 3, 1994, I will celebrate my first 6 years as a Catholic." I am a convert, like all the members of the lay fraternity in Oslo. At the moment, we are five professed, one novice, and a couple of people in the process of joining. We were organized as a proper fraternity only three years ago, when three of us made temporary profession. In Oslo, the whole Dominican family is represented -- friars (St. Dominic's), nuns (Lunden kloster), sisters (St. Catherine's) and laity. I'm happy to say that our fraternity enjoys a very good relationship with all the houses! Our assistant/chaplain/spiritual director/whatever is Fr. Per Bjoern Halvorsen, O.P.

In another message received from Fr. Clint Honkomp, he told us that Fr. Timothy Sparks, O.P., the oldest Dominican friar in the Central Province of St. Albert the Great (later we learned that Fr. Sparks was a classmate of Fr. Carrigan), affirmed his interest in the DF GEM by sending a poem written by Brother Conrad. He also sent information re the four Dominicans beatified November 1994.

Upon learning that Fr. Sparks is a Promoter of Causes of Canonization, Joe immediately sent a message to Father, asking him what the procedure is for nominating a person for sainthood, and recommended Fr. Leonid Fedorov, a Russian intellectual and priest from the early days of this century who did so much to bring the message of the Universal Church to the Russian people. (Joe will be writing more about this in the future issues of Torch-lites.)

The first global announcement re a Dominican ordination came from Fr. Reid Perkins-Buzo (Central Province of St. Albert the Great). He also sent several inspiring homilies for publication in the DF GEM. He was ordained to the priesthood May 13, 1995.

As time went on, we realized that we were indeed responding to the Order's priority of mass media. We currently have participants from all the continents (except South America). The participant list includes two of the four Provincial Promoters for the laity, Regis R. Hovald, O.P. (Central Province), and Fr. Alberto Rodriquez, O.P. (Southern Province).

While Tom and Pedro contributed a variety of messages, Joe worked on translating stories and articles published in Fr. Khmelnitsky's "Truth and Life" magazine, as well as true stories of Dominicans and Catholics in Russia for publication in the DF GEM.

The DF GEM is now issued (via e-mail) on the first and fifteenth of the month, September - May (on vacation during June, July and August). A Special Issue is published on the feast of St. Dominic (August 8th). The possibilities and uses for the Dominican Order on Internet are endless.

Subsequently, it deemed necessary to make available a "Dominican Family Internet Intercessory Prayer Line" and "Dominican Family Bulletin Board" to accommodate the numerous requests and announcements that are received almost daily now. These requests are forwarded at once to all members on the participants list, as soon as possible, throughout the year.

In addition to recognizing the work and dedication of the DF GEM core team, it should be noted that from the very beginning of the Russian Apostolate, Fr. John Carrigan, O.P., and Rose Marie Nathan, Moderator of the Mother of God Chapter (West Springfield, Massachusetts), have been very supportive of our efforts, spiritually and financially, and for that we are grateful.

THE FIRST DOMINICAN WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW) HOME PAGE (9/14/94)

The World Wide Web (also known as WWW or W3) is a hypertext system (simply put--electronic documents linked together) that allows you to travel around the world electronically looking for information. You select a topic that interests you, and view related information. Writings of the Church Fathers, all Vatican II documents and most of the important Church documents are available in electronic form. (A hypertext document lets you jump from place to place in the document using links of some kind.)

Jan Frederik wrote (9/14/94), "I have made a WWW page available at

This formula is what is called a Uniform Resources Locator .

It states the Internet communication protocol (here: http, which is Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol).�

Jan Frederik also says, "So far, the page only points to some laity information. I have typed in the Rule and the Master of the Order's General Declarations, and I'd like to enter different Directories later. All previous and current DF GEM issues are stored there in the archives. You will also find the Vatican II degree on the apostolate of the laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem) and I'm working on Christifideles Laici. There are at present no links to other Catholic sites.

Jan-Frederik compiled a report and presented it to the Master General outlining all the work that has been accomplished, thus far. As a result, he has been asked by Fr. Oscar Mayorga, O.P. (assistant to the Master General, and among other things in charge of mass media) to coordinate a team to further the Dominican presence on the Internet, sharing ideas and hopes on this issue. He went on to say, "We think that our challenge is to preach through this new way making somehow a marriage between Theology and Electronics."

Fr. Mayorga named six members for the team; Jan Frederik Solom (Oslo, Norway), Fr. Daniel Ulluoa (Santa Sabina, Rome), Fr. Bernard McCay-Morrissey (Dublin, Ireland), Br. Reid Perkins-Buzo (St. Louis, Missouri), Gail Waterman (West Springfield, Massachusetts), and Fr. Gareth Moore (Belgium).

Hence, it deemed necessary for me to form an advisory team consisting of the following members: Carina Bjorklind (Chapter in Stockholm, Sweden); Dr. Jill O'Brien, President of Central Province Dominican Laity Provincial Council (member of St. Vincent Ferrer Chapter, River Forest, Illinois); Anna Donnelly (Our Lady of the Assumption Chapter, New York City), Marie Soelner (Molloy College, New York); and Karen Woods, Moderator of St. Mary Magdalene Chapter (Tempe Arizona). Together I pray we will continue to forge ahead and complete the task now in progress for the Order.

THE FIRST DOMINICAN OP-L LISTSERVER AT BERKELEY (10/13/94)

In case you might wonder or ask, what is a listserver? Simply put, Listservers are another kind of mailing list, which is smaller and connected to the Internet. The principal purpose of listserver software is to facilitate one-to-many communication for network users.

The following e-mail message was received (10/13/94) from Fr. Michael Dodds, O.P. (Dean of the Dominican School in Berkeley affiliated with the Graduate Theological Union which in turn is associated with the University of California at Berkeley). "The Western Dominican Province has set up an E-mail list on preaching and related topics. It is under the direction of Fr. Patrick LaBelle, O.P., Director of the Preaching Institute at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, CA". Fr. LaBelle is also pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, a Dominican Parish in Berkeley in which a member of his parish, Czeslaw Jan Grycz (Chet).

Chet recently retired (two years ago) from the Office of the President of the University of California, and was asked by Fr. LaBelle to address a group of Dominicans gathered for a conference in which he (Chet) spoke about setting up an electronic discussion list. Chet was involved with a variety of initiatives and projects having to do with the sharing of scholarly information and research in electronic form. In an introductory message (11/4/94), he wrote, "I teach several courses in Library and Information Science, and am on the permanent faculty of the Denver Publishing Institute. I am also founder of the Wladyslaw Poniecki Foundation (named after my grandfather), which is a California non-profit educational Corporation. The Ponieck (pronounced "Pon-yet'-skee") Foundation is involved in a variety of outreach projects directed at Central and Eastern European countries, especially libraries and information centers who are hooking up to the Internet." Hence the reason the OP-Listserver is located on the Poniecki server, and his involvement on the list.

Subsequently, Fr. LaBelle wrote (11/6/95); "We would like to make this (OP-L) a national and even international means of communication for Dominicans. It is good to be connected to you in this manner."

In another e-mail message Fr. LaBelle writes: "It does seem that for some purposes (individual notes, greetings for feast days, etc.) the OP-Listserver would be more convenient than the E-mail newsletter. It's less work for you in compiling all the messages and sending them out twice a month and it's faster since the messages are sent out as soon as they arrive. The newsletter might include gleanings of certain items of information and be sent out (also via OP-L) once a month--a kind of 'CRUX" of the Dominican e-mail activity--what's been happening what's coming up, etc."

The OP-Listserver served as a forum for "spirited debates", and "lively sounding-board" for such topics as, use of appropriate abbreviations after names of Dominican laity, The General Consensus of Dominicans re Political Campaigning on the Dominican Internet, Women's Role in the Church, and a more recent "lively" discussion re the movie, "Priest".

November 23, 1994, the following message was received from Fr. Patrick L. LaBelle, O.P. "The Dominican Leadership Conference (Major Superiors and Councils of the Friars & Sisters) met at Adrian, Michigan in October. During the meeting I put a list for them to sign if they wanted to be a part of our Poniecki Foundation services. Little by little I would hope that more of the leadership of the Conference would get involved. And I would think that getting the Nuns on board will 'round out the program - especially with so many of the Dominican Laity already involved.

And for the Dominican Laity, happy feast! Thursday is not only Thanksgiving but also our Dominican Martyrs Day." PROVIDENCE COLLEGE ON INTERNET (11/21/94)

Now and then, Tom tested the connection at/with Providence College, Rhode Island (the only college in the USA operated by Dominican friars). And on November 21, 1994, he received a message from Fr. Richard A. McAlister, O.P. (the day before Thanksgiving)--Subject line: "Dominicans on the Internet".

DOMINICANS NOW TRAVEL TO RUSSIA AND ALL OVER THE WORLD VIA INTERNET

Once Tom learned that Fr. Alex Khmelnitsky (Dominican priest in Moscow) has a computer and an internet account (but is "frozen", i.e., not used), he sent e-mail messages to various places in Moscow, inquiring how he may communicate with Fr. Alex by e-mail. Sunday, January 15, 1995, six months after the first Dominican Family Global Electronic Magazine was issued, we received the first e-mail message from Fr. Khmelnitsky. He wrote, "Dear Gail, Thank you and Mr. Martin's messages. I have only now got my account with GlasNet de-frozen and my communication software adjusted to be able to read them. Now I am able to take part in the Dominican E-mail magazine. Many thanks to Prof. Joseph Lake for his donation. Greetings to all sisters and brothers in St. Dominic. Fr. Alexander Khmelnitsky, O.P.

If you wish to travel with other Dominicans on Internet, "the Information Superhighway", send us an e-mail message. Our e-mail addresses are:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] (died 10/24/01)

[email protected]

Future Publication of Book(s) re Dominicans and Catholics in Russia (Research, and translations by Professor Joseph Lake, University of Massachusetts Amherst)

We attended the 1995 Provincial Council meeting held in April at the Dominican House of Studies, where we met Fr. Romanus Cessario, O.P. who initially inspired the Dominican Laity Russian Apostolate by telling about his trip to Russia in 1993.

We (Joe and I) were asked to give an update on the Russian Apostolate. Joe presented a teaching on the history of Catholics and Dominicans in Russia, while I focused my presentation on the development of the Dominican Family global Electronic Magazine. Prior to this presentation, Anna Donnelly provided an excellent background on the history and development of the computer Internet.

On the eve of Palm Sunday, 1995, a small group gathered around Fr. Cessario as he sat in front of his computer in his office at the House of Studies, and typed an email message to Fr. Khmelnitsky in Moscow. He wrote, "Greetings" to our brother, Fr. Khmelnitsky in Moscow via Internet. The message read: "Mr. Joseph Lake, Mrs. Gail Waterman, Mrs. Rose Marie Nathan, Prioress, and Father Romanus Cessario on the eve of Palm Sunday, send warm and fraternal greetings to the Roamn Catholic community in Moscow. We are especially mindful that we share a common bond in the profession of obedience to God in union with the Blessed and ever Virgin Mary and blessed Dominic.

We also wish to take this moment to affirm the support of the Mother of God Dominican Laity (West Springfield, MA) support for growth of the Church in Holy Russia. During this Holy (Great) Week, we pray especially for Our Holy Father John Paul II. May God grant him long life and blessings.

Now, with gratitude to God for the gifts that he has given to Professor Lake that enable us to develop bonds of friendship and support with the Dominican Family in Russia, we give the keyboard to Joe."

Professor Lake will be telling more about the Catholics and Dominicans in Russia, and the book(s) he is writing in the next issue of Torch-lites. U.S. DOMINICAN MEET VERY REV. JOHN P. KENDRICK, O.P. VICARATE GENERAL OF RUSSIA AND UKRAINE, PROVINCE OF ST. MICHAEL.

June 15, 1995, Tom Martin sent the following announcement/invitation via email to all Dominicans and anyone else who might be interested: �The Very Reverend John P. Kendrick, O.P. Vicarate General of Russia and Ukraine, Province of St. Michael, is visiting the United States and will be celebrating Mass at the Dominican House of Studies, Washington, DC, on Monday, June 26th, at 5:00 pm. Following Mass Fr. Kendrick will give a talk and slide presentation on the work of the Dominicans in Russia.�



Fr. Kenrick, Tom Martin, Rose Marie Nathan, Grace Hayden, and Prof. Lake leaning over table writing something. Others in photo are unknown/not identified.

When corresponding with Fr. Kendrick by mail a little over a year ago, we never dreamed of having the opportunity to meet him in this country. Needless to say, it didn�t take long to decide on a trip to Washington, DC. I immediately contacted our moderator, Rose Marie Nathan, and several others in our Chapter who might be interested in these brazen adventure--travel approximately 400 miles (one way) by car to Washington, DC to meet our distinguished guest and return home the next day. Acting quickly upon Tom�s suggestion I contacted one of the Dominican Fathers via email and requested an overnight stay at the house of Studies for our small group of four. We felt blessed when Fr. Pierre Conway, O.P., Guest Master, granted us permission to stay overnight at the House of Studies, especially on such short notice. True to form, the Fathers outdid themselves in extending Dominican hospitality to us..

upon returning home 36 hours later, Joe send the following e-mail message around the world, �A couple of days ago four of us from Western Massachusetts had the great pleasure of being guests at the House of Studies in Washington, DC, to meet Fr. Kendrick and hear him describe how the Order is involved in so many exciting ways in helping Russia and the Ukraine in the essential task they have, after Communism, of restoring Christian Russia�s civilization.



Prof. Joseph Lake, Gail A. Waterman, Very Rev. John P. Kendrick, O.P., Vicar Generall of Russia and Ukraine

�Of particularly glad news was to hear that the Order has opened a center to train postulants in Mukachevo, in the Trans-Carpathian region of Western Ukraine, where young Dominicans from Russia and from the Ukraine, and from both rites, Eastern and Western, are now studying; and that Father dreams of restoring the ancient Dominican priory at Kamenec Podolsky as a novitiate and perhaps someday a House of Studies. The building itself reflects in its appearance its glorious history. It looks to be the Eastern bulwark of the faith in the face of invasions from Mongol, Tartar, Cossack, and Commissar. Fr. Kendrick�s vigor and optimism made us feel quite confident that God will bring this dream and all the others to reality. We hope to help when the time comes, probably next fall. The roof is gone, but the walls and floors are sound and are still holding. Father hopes to act while exchange rates are still favorable. We hope too that our own dream -- to see American Dominicans there with our Eastern brothers and sisters to celebrate the coming of the millennium - may be realized too.�



But for email we would not have met Fr. Kendrick and learn first hand the work of our Dominican brethren in Russia and the Ukraine, and perhaps would not have known, at this time, that they now have two printing presses. Thus, we may now focus our fund raising attention on the restoration of the ancient Dominican Priory at Kamenec Posolsky, and perhaps begin planning a tour of these historical sites in the year 2000.

Is this not proof of our need for global communications via email and the internet, and of our connectedness to each other and the power of God working through and with His creatures and creation!

THE FOLLOWING WAS PUBLISHED IN THE "CATHOLIC OBSERVER" (SPRINGFIELD DIOCESAN NEWSPAPTER BT NOT PUBLISHED IN TORCH-LITES

We also arranged to have Fr. Michel interviewed by Fr. Bill Pomerleau, a reporter for the Springfield Diocesan newspaper, "Catholic Observer".

The following are excerpts from the article: "Father Amara-Poignet, a young French priest from Angers in central France, told "The Catholic Observer about the reviving Church life in what has traditionally been Russia's most cosmopolitan city.

Only about 10,000 of the city's estimated 4.3 million residents may be Catholic, he noted. Most are at least nominally Orthodox Christians, although Protestants of various denominations, Jews, Muslims and members of groups often described as cults also live in St. Petersburg. "They are even restoring the Buddhist temple," said Father Amara-Poignet.

Father Amara-Poignet's church, which re-opened a year ago after 52 years as a state-run museum of atheism and religion, now has weekend Masses in Russian and Polish, and an "international Mass" celebrated in French, English and Italian.

And groups like the local chapter of the Dominican Laity can help in the formation of a new generation of Russian Catholics, he said.

Joseph Lake, a veteran professor of Russian studies at the University of Massachusetts and a third order Dominican, has been heavily involved in the West Springfield Dominican Laity's work with the church in St. Petersburg.

Lake, who has visited Russia several times, most recently to coordinate an exchange program between UMASS and the Technical University of St. Petersburg, hopes that academic contacts might eventually include those in the religious sciences.

"Right now, almost all UMASS students who go to Russia are Russian studies majors, while most Russians who come here are engineers," Lake noted. He said that may change if the Technical University restructures itself into a more UMASS-like institution with a broad range of liberal arts studies.

St. Petersburg's Orthodox Catholic and mainline Protestant clergy are concerned about some of the activities of well-financed American religious sects that are proselytizing among their members. Yet, the greater challenge to the churches in Russia may be secularization, said Father Amara-Poignet.

"It's incredible how open young Russians are to learn the new, Western technologies. The values they bring are a real challenge for the Orthodox," he noted.

Even within the Catholic community, there are differences that require diplomatic skills. Many Catholics in St. Petersburg, a city founded by the Emperor Peter the Great as a "window on the West" in 1703, came from non-Russian ethnic backgrounds. Add them to a growing number of foreign residents who have come to St. Petersburg on business, and St Catherine's has already become a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic parish.

So far, the parish has not suffered from the effects of rising Russian nationalism. Russian nationalism has led to tensions between ethnic groups, and between members of the Russian Orthodox and "foreign" churches in other parts of Russia and other former Soviet republics.

"I was surprised how much I was welcomed. Perhaps it is because of the traditional French-Russian friendship, but I was not seen as someone who came to convert Russians," Father Amara-Poignet said.

He note that St. Petersburg's municipal officials have given him a two-year residency permit. All foreigners wishing to reside in Russia must first obtain a permit from a local municipality. They are usually only granted for six-month periods.

Rather than treating Russia "like a Third World country that needs to be evangelized," he said, Western Catholics should offer resources to a nation that has a centuries-old Christian tradition.

While what will eventually be four Catholic parishes in St. Petersburg need material assistance to rebuild their facilities, they also need respectful contacts with their counterparts in the West, he noted."

READ ABOUT MOTHER CATHERINE ABKOSOVA, THIRD ORDER DOMINICAN.

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