Russian Club Officers

President: Matt Lambert
Vice-President: John Simonetti
Secretary: Patrick Gough
Treasurer: Isaac Cabe

For the days and weeks leading up to October 5, 2010, the students in Mr. Bill “Bac” (pronounced “Vass”) O’Neil’s Russian Language classes were preparing themselves for one of the highlights of the course- the trip to the Something Russian Festival at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Mogadore.

Excitement filled the chilly October air as the students boarded the bus that morning. The students in Russian I awaited a lesson in the Russian Orthodox religious tradition inside St. Nicholas Church, while the students who had been to the Festival before headed inside the Church Hall, for the most part knowing what they wanted to do that day.

The Russian I students learned many things about Russian religious tradition, including why Russian churches have onion-shaped domes, why there is a crooked bar near the bottom of their crosses, and about the significance of icons, images of Orthodox saints and holy figures. The first year Russian students learned more than they could have foreseen, including senior Nick Conlon, who said, “The church presentation was lively and exciting! I never expected to learn so much and be so entertained!”

As the Russian II, III, and IV students entered the hall, they paused and noticed other Russian traditions that the parishioners at St. Nicholas had laid out, such as the traditional bread and salt (Хлеб и Соль) tray at the entrance, a samovar (Самовар)(Russian water heater for tea), and icons in the corner. The smell of traditional Russian donuts, poonchki (Пончики) immediately enticed students. After looking around at some of the Russian souvenir booths, and with some time to kill before the food line opened up, some of the students played a Russian board game called Repka (Репка).

Finally, everyone got in line for food. Among some of the student favorites were Chicken Kiev, Halupki (pigs in a blanket), Pierogies, Blini (traditional crepes with a sweet cheese filling), and potato pancakes. After enjoying a delicious sampling of Russian foods, many students visited the Tea Room. Many people would mistakenly think that the Russian national drink would be vodka, but it is really tea. Russians consume more tea per capita than even the British (at least according to Bac). In the Tea Room, students ordered a pot of Russian tea and had a chance to practice their Russian language skills with native Russians who serve the tea. Junior Kaitlin Heard said, “The Tea Room was really interesting; it’s cool to see all of the authentic Russian cups and samovars.”

Next, the students went outside to the Culture Tent, where a group of Russian musicians was setting up to perform. The group consisted of balalaika (small triangular string instruments) players and an accordion player. They played several songs, explaining some of the history behind each in between songs. For the last several songs, the group passed out traditional Russian side instruments such as Russian spoons and tambourines. After hearing the musicians and seeing some of the Russian cd’s available, Senior Joe Bedell claimed, “The Russian musicians were so inspiring, they opened the door for a spectacular new genre of music for me.”

At last, it was time to leave, so the Russian students lined up on the steps of St. Nicholas Church for a picture with Bac to commemorate the day. Reflecting on the day and the things he has experienced because of Russian, Senior Ian Walsh said, “Repka, poonchki, and tea…it can’t get any better than that.”

Advisor: Mr. Bill O'Neil