USCCB - (AEE) - Our Work in Russia

Our Work in Russia

Since 1990, generous American Catholics have provided millions of dollars for projects which were submitted to our office by the bishops of Russia. These efforts have helped the Church in Russia rebuild itself and begin to live and serve in freedom. The following are just a few examples of past, ongoing, and new projects sponsored through our office.

With your help, we have …

…Provided funding for publishing books on Catholic-Orthodox dialogue and contemporary Catholic theology
Russian translations of Western texts on contemporary Catholic theology are scarce. Not much is available on the interreligious dialogue between the Catholics and the Orthodox. Pope Benedict XVI, continuing the work of his predecessor, puts a great deal of emphasis on ecumenical dialogue, especially with the Orthodox.

… Participated in the construction of a Carmelite monastery in the Mother of God Archdiocese in Moscow
The prayer presence the Carmelites bring to the Church in Russia is essential for the Church’s fruitful service. This project focused on the installation of doors and stairways.

… Helped establish and given support to the KANA video studio in Novosibirsk
Reaching people through television is a necessary part of Catholic communications, especially in the immense territory of Siberia. This studio produces quality Catholic programming for the edification and education of the faithful.

… Provided assistance for the Thomas Aquinas College in Kaliningrad
As the basic infrastructure of the Church is slowly restored, education becomes an ever higher priority for renewal. This college represents a significant step forward in Catholic education in Kaliningrad, an island of Russian territory in the Baltics.

… and we continue to …

…Support the seminary in St. Petersburg
This seminary serves the formation needs of the entire country. Education of native vocations is certainly very important for the development and growth of the Catholic Church in Russia.

… Provide funding for the Catholic newspaper, “Svet Evangelia” in Moscow
“Svet Evangelia” means “Light of the Gospel.” This weekly newspaper, which includes feature articles on religious, cultural, and social themes, ecclesial, domestic and international news, and much more, helps keep the faithful informed and unified throughout Russia. Request submitted: $10,000

… Offer assistance to the seminarians of the St. Clemens diocese
Most of the young men called to the priesthood in Russia do not have the means to support themselves in formation. With our help, the diocese is trying to provide quality formation and education. Request submitted: $5,000

…Provide funding for construction of a church in Kaliningrad
The Kaliningrad region is not geographically connected to the Russian Federation. This westernmost Russian enclave has two Catholic communities. No infrastructure was preserved here after World War II. A new church remains to be built.

We hope in the future to …

… Participate in printing the Liturgy of the Hours
The publication of a full four-volume Liturgy of the Hours is essential for the liturgical prayer life of the Russian Church. This project would provide such a publication for all Russian speaking communities. Request submitted: $15,000

… Purchase two cars for the Diocese of St. Joseph in Irkutsk
In the vast expanses of Siberia, reliable transportation is a must. We hope to provide two cars to help overcome the distance between communities in the St. Joseph diocese. Request submitted: $12,000

… Assist with the construction of a new parish church in Magadan
Located west of Alaska, “Magadan” rings in the Russian ear like “Auschwitz” does in the Jewish ear. It was the center of Stalin’s arctic death camps. Today the “Nativity of Christ” mission parish is building a church in Magadan that will be a refuge of peace and beacon of hope to people who knew neither for decades. Request submitted: $10,000

…Provide scholarships for Russian students to study in Rome
Since 1917 the exposure of Russians to Western theology and philosophy has been extremely limited. It is crucial for the future Church leaders, both religious and lay, to gain insight into the academic tradition of the Universal Church.