What is Church to a Russian- American?

Church is a major part of my life. I have always gone to church. It is a part of who I am. Church is not only about sitting through church services. I am currently involved in Russian school, Sunday school, camps, wind ensemble, teens’ group, teens' choir, and youth group. There are so many engaging activities and groups that bring together our community, defining who we are as individuals and as a society.

Russian school is a must for every Russian-American. I started attending Russian school when I was five years old and graduated when I was fourteen. The Russian school was started in our church to teach Russian children, who live in the Spokane area, how to read and write in Russian. Knowing the Russian language is important to Russian people living outside of Russia because understanding another language can improve the chances for finding a job. It is also important to be able to communicate with family members and relatives in their native language and to pass on traditions. The main purpose of the school is so the children will not forget Russian, to be able to pass it down to future generations. The only subject taught in our Russian school is language arts. Writing, penmanship, and literature are some of the sections we cover. At the end of the program, the graduating class is given the opportunity to take a test to receive two foreign language credits in high school. When I graduated, I took this opportunity and received the two high school credits. With these two credits I did not have to learn a different language at the high school. After finishing Russian school, I now help other students learn Russian, proudly passing on the culture and traditions of my family.

When I turned five, I also started to attend Sunday sch...

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...n a different way, each important in its own way. Russian school taught me how to read and write in Russian, which I am very grateful for. Sunday school taught me valuable lessons from the Bible that I will probably never forget. Each camp that I went to has left memories and lessons that I will remember, that will be helpful throughout my life. Wind ensemble and the teen’s choir have been a way to express my praise to God through music. Teen’s group and youth group have both shown me that socializing and being around other people in life is important to know people who you can rely on if you need help. These groups and activities have been an important part of my life starting from my childhood. I want to be a part of them forever because I feel they define who I am. They allow me to be a part of a special community, and to express my praise to God in all that I do.