The Russian community in Anchorage is alarmed and disheartened by the vandalism that occurred earlier in January at a Sitka cemetery, where Russian Orthodox crosses and headstones were destroyed. This disturbing occurrence took place just by the end of the Christmastide, on the Epiphany eve — one of the most sacral celebrations in every Christian church. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas and Epiphany according to ancient Julian calendar, which is 13 days later than in many other churches. So awful was this sacrilege, magnified exponentially by its timing, that our community would prefer to believe that timing was a coincidence. Currently, not much is known about who or why has desecrated the graves and whether it was with an intent to abuse religious, cultural or ethnic heritage.
Regardless of the background, it is an obvious sign of intolerance, prejudice and aggression. Russian Americans in Anchorage have always felt safe and welcome. This incident is uncharacteristic of Alaskans at large, yet emblematic of divisive discourse in the public square. Intolerance in our world, amplified by the anonymity in the digital sphere, promotes and invites physical aggressions like these and worse. Just a few months ago, a Jewish house of worship too was desecrated.
Alaska’s economic, social and cultural fabric has been woven with the help of people from all over the world. It is because of our diversity, ingenuity, cooperation, respect for the past and optimism for the future that we are as progressive and developed a state as we are. Welcoming states are the ones that prosper economically, culturally and socially. Let’s keep our state a welcoming one.
— Galina Tomisser, Eva Khadjinova, Yevgenii Komarov and Natalia Sears
Board members, Center of Russian-American Friendship and Trade
Anchorage
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