April 20, 2021

Repeat Offenses: Mothers Grieve a Spectacular Repast


Repeat Offenses: Mothers Grieve a Spectacular Repast
Perhaps not the most comfortable perch to cook a meal. "File: Eternal Flame, Obelisk of Glory, Togliatty, Russia.JPG" by ShinePhantom is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

It was not the first time, and is likely not the last: a woman chose the wrong spot for her spectacular repast...

Will they ever learn?

In early April, a woman was caught sautéing a quick meal over the Eternal Flame of the “Grieving Mother” Memorial in the town of Pushkino near Moscow. The police quickly apprehended the 65-year-old woman.

When asked to explain her transgression, she responded: “But what did I do? We’re not used to eating in restaurants.”

She will be tried under article 244 of the Russian Criminal Code: "Desecration of the bodies of the dead and their burial places."

This isn't the first time we've reported on memorial flame hibachi chefs. Last year, picnickers suffered the same temptation: on May 24, 2020, two young women in their early 20s attempted to grill meat over the Eternal Flame of the Tomb of Workers and Sailors on Yakornaya Square in Kronstadt.

Acts, surely, that give many a mother good reason to grieve.

You can view a video of the newest culprit enjoying her socially-distanced grub here.

 

You Might Also Like

A Tender Tartar Dish
  • July 01, 2000

A Tender Tartar Dish

Shashlik a la Tartar is the featured dish this issue, with a delectable plum sauce... No summer could be complete without it.
Soviet Fast Food
  • September 01, 2011

Soviet Fast Food

A look back at the many variants of Soviet Fast Food.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955