Why Men?

Towards the end of the Soviet era, Russia needed to find a new idea of itself. The inspirational figure who emerged was Alexander Men, equal in moral authority to the Dalai Lama, Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany or Jerzy Popielusko in Communist- era Poland.  Like the last two, his life was cut short by totalitarian authorities because of the idea of freedom which he embodied. It is therefore apt that the title chosen by our Russian partners to use  in Russian for Russian delegates is: Russia In Search of Itself

Alexander Men grew up as a Christian during the long years of oppression and persecution in 20th century Russia. His faith was open to the world, a credible alternative to secularism and the hackneyed and discredited materialism of Soviet ideology.