4: The People's Will
Russia's June 16, 1996 presidential elections were a unique event in the country's history. For the first time, Russians elected their head of state in a one-person, one-vote election. In this article, we look back at Russian electoral history, before and during the Soviet era.
Features
13: Holiday of the Holy Trinity
This one page article looks at the Orthodox holiday of Pyatidesyatnitsa, the Feast of Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Easter.
Russian Calendar
14: Hostage of the Revolution
After Lenin and Stalin, no personality was as venerated in the USSR as the writer Maxim Gorky, founder of socialist realism, who died 60 years ago this June (1996). Far from a pet of the socialist regime, Gorky, the "story petrel of the revolution," also condemned the revolution early on as a "cruel experiment" with the Russian people. Here we trace the story of his fascinating, often controversial life.
Features
19: Why Going Dutch is not Russian
On waiters and restaurant etiquette.
Survival Russian
20: The Art of the Unknown
Ernst Neizvestny, one of Russia's greatest artists, staged a landmark exhibition this year in Moscow. Christina Ling tells his story, and provides insight into some of the work that most Russians are seeing for the first time.
Features
23: Defenders of the Soul
Nearly 100 years ago, some 600 families of Russia's persecuted Dukhobory sect sought, and obtained, asylum in Canada. There they have earned a reputation for diligence and tolerance of suffering. But what of the Dukhobory who stayed behind, to face persecution under Imperial and Communist rule? Ivan Sergeyev made a rare visit to their Caucasian homeland to bring back this telling story.
Travel
28: Riding the Infobahn to Russia
An introductory article on web resources for travel to Russia.
Practical Traveler
32: Eat Your Blues Away
Golubtsy, the fabulous cabbage and meat dish is the focus of this issue's food column.
Cuisine