Russia celebrated its victory over Nazi Germany on May 9, 2015. The Russians certainly know how to celebrate a national holiday. I say this because the military parade was organized and performed like a fine Russian ballet. I say this because of one simple act that was performed by Russian Defense Minister General Choigu. Just prior to coming out into the sunlight, he made the Orthodox sign of the Cross. After focusing on the general, the camera continued moving up the clock tower and onto a huge icon of Jesus Christ. The act of this general literally stole the hearts of the Orthodox Christians throughout the world. What was significant about this act of faith is its stark contrast with what is happening in the Western world. You can just imagine how the anti-Christian elements in America would react to this public display of Christian faith.

Unlike America, Russia is very comfortable with her identity as a Christian nation and she is not embarrassed to tell the world about it. Obama is out of his skin when talking about Christianity.

Russia has risen from the ashes of atheistic communism and has become a vibrant Christian nation. Bravo.

Fr. Constantine J. Simones, retired

Waterford