[VYholden]

Yes, Andreas, we understand each other.

It also causes people to be very individuated. Priests in Russia will tell people to look after their own souls and the salvation of others is not their business. Consequently, there's much faith but little evidence of charity. Everyone should look after himself. The common general attitude is, 'it's your problem'. A truly Orthodox society would overflow with love, charity and fellowship. The excellent younger priest at the church I frequent in Athens has a series of sermons after every year's Paraclisis to the Theotokos during the Dormition fast. His closing words yesterday had to do with many of the problems which plague Greece. Though, as a part time expat, I feel somewhat removed from those particular issues (not counting my endless frustration about why the Greeks are not society driven as Americans are, but that is another story which probably has to do with the personality of different cultures), but his words of wisdom were worth noting.

He said that many people say that the other person should change, or the this or that should change, but that they never think to change themselves as individuals...and if confronted with that, they say 'I will change this or that, when the other does'. However, as he said, nothing will ever get better with that mentality. As Christians we should always strive to do and be better.... So, Greece and Russia have something in common...they are both Orthodox societies, but certainly not truly Orthodox societies, because as you so aptly pondered:

But then, I don't suppose such a society exists anywhere. Regards,
Alice