I was dismayed by the letter, “Russian leaders show their love of Christ,” (May 18) from Fr. Simones extolling Russia's leadership for their use of Christian symbols in a military parade while making no mention of Russian aggression against Ukraine. Nationalism such as we see in the new Russia is far from the spirit and teaching of Jesus, who invited his followers to return good for evil and to love their enemies. Religious nationalism is the cause of much harm today, and we recall Jesus' warning, "not everyone that says 'Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven."

(Rev.) Bruce M. Shipman

Groton