Peace! Land! Bread! This was the battle cry of the 1917 October Revolution (old calendar) that changed the history of Russia and indeed the entire world. Since the time of Ivan the Terrible, the tsars concentrated on centralization of their power and control. The most common way of doing this was to take power away from the nobility, appeasing them by giving them dominion over their land and workers. This soon developed into the oppressive, slave-style condition known as serfdom.

On the occasion of Pushkin's birthday, we offer a post on the challenge of translating his most famous love lyrics, "Я вас любил," with a bonus look at Innokenty Annensky's "Среди миров."

A poem from the new volume Alcestis of the Underworld, by a regular translator of works published by Russian Life Books.

It is a common trope that Russians never smile. Which of course is interpreted to mean they are unfriendly, gloomy, sullen – positively Dostoyevskian. This, of course, is a complete misreading of body language and cultural norms.

On October 14, 1991, St. Basil’s Cathedral was reopened after six decades. Here are five fun facts in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Cathedral’s rebirth.

An excerpt from the new translation of a novel by Karolina Pavlova (1807-1893), translated by Barbara Heldt.

Chief Conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra Karina Canellakis makes her San Francisco Symphony debut in a presentation of music by two Russian heavyweights.

An exhibition of forty-six luminous contemporary icons by sixteen iconographers from the Prosopon School of Iconology and Iconography. Exploring the recent renaissance of this ancient tradition, the exhibition will feature icons by the founder of the Prosopon School, Vladislav Andrejev, along with works by master iconographers, instructors, and apprentices.

Water is the "magnificent obsession" of Claudio Koporossy. Koporossy is an Italian-Swiss photographer who has been working hard for years to capture in one click the infinite shapes of water that dance and resonate in the grandiose fountains located in squares and monumental gardens around the world.

Want to know more about your icon? Bring your objects in for an assessment clinic provided by the members of the Museum's curatorial team. The assessment includes the approximate age of your icon, where and how it was made, and for what purpose it was made. Find out if your icon is a Church icon or an icon for domestic display, and receive information on conservation and appraisal services.

Did you know that Russian cuisine is famous for its health benefits? In this fun cooking class, museum docent and teacher Larissa Dyan will teach the very basics of Russian cooking using ingredients such as beets, cabbage, buckwheat, sunflower oil, all known for their healing properties. Recipes include cooked buckwheat, sour/pickled/fermented cabbage, vinegret (vegetable and beet salad), cabbage salad, and buckwheat salad. At the end of the class, participants will enjoy this healthy Russian meal together.

Marina Smirnov, creator and owner of Finist natural beauty products, presents the history of soap making in Russia. Marina will also speak about her soap-making practices that enhance the healing properties of herbs, clays, and essential oils, helping to recharge and restore balance and beauty.

A La Vieille Russie, the jeweler known worldwide for their exquisite collection of unique Russian treasures and great vintage jewels, is excited to present their latest jewelry collection 'Deceptively Modern Jewelry: 1940s to 1980s.'

The Washington Balalaika Society will feature MUSALLIANCE with two extraordinary musicians, Peter Omelchenko (domra) and Anna Kusner (guitar). The audience will also be treated to another stunning performance by WBS's Balalaika Concertmaster, Andrei Saveliev.

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine performs an afternoon of some of Russia’s greatest works conducted by Volodymyr Sirenko and featuring the extraordinary pianist Olga Kern as guest soloist.

The Washington Balalaika Society will feature MUSALLIANCE with two extraordinary musicians, Peter Omelchenko (domra) and Anna Kusner (guitar). The audience will also be treated to another stunning performance by WBS's Balalaika Concertmaster, Andrei Saveliev.

Special screenings of the Moscow Opera's award-winning, hit musical being presented in HD in cinemas across the US.

The St. Peterburg Men's Ensemble from Russia, an award-winning a cappella quartet under the direction of Kirill Sokolov, will perform a concert of Russian sacred, classical and folk music.