March 02, 2004

By: Zi Perry
Website: http://www.1st-in-flags.com

First Christian Science Church in Russia since 1929 recognized

With bright red, blue and white colors, the Russian flag was recently raised in a special ceremony in the Hall of Flags at The Christian Science Publishing Society in honor of the first official Christian Science church activity in Russia since 1929. Newly-formed Christian Science Society of St. Petersburg is now a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston. The Russian flag joins the special display of national flags representing countries where Christian Science churches are found, bringing the total number to 67.

Jenny Butterfield, manager of branches in the Office of the Clerk of The Mother Church, spoke of the poignant early history of Christian Science in St. Petersburg. The religion first came to the Russian city in 1909. The Mother Church recognized the first St. Petersburg Society in 1924 and advertised it in the church's monthly publication, The Christian Science Journal, until 1929, when the communist government closed the Society and sent all church members to prison camps in Siberia. Philipp Veselovsky, currently visiting Boston from St. Petersburg, spoke on behalf of the church members there and briefly described the formation of the revived branch. He cited a 1990 Christian Science youth meeting in Hamburg, Germany, which he and two other young people from St. Petersburg attended, as key to the rebirth of Christian Science there. They returned from the Hamburg meeting inspired to begin the work of reestablishing Christian Science in their city.

Virginia Harris, Chairman of The Christian Science Board of Directors, spoke of meeting the three young people in Hamburg and later visiting their informal church meetings in various apartments in St. Petersburg. She commented that the Russian Christian Scientists have been an inspiration for the worldwide church. "These three young people clearly showed us that the darkness could not prevail. They were much like those shoemakers in Lynn," referring to the early followers of Mary Baker Eddy.

Also see: russian flag colors

About The Author:

Zi Perry is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-flags.com.  The flags of the world are symbols of recognition full of beauty and color for each country.