Both countries possess wide expanses of land, and people who exude awareness of that breadth. Both contain a variety of colorful cities, each with its own flair. Both have inhabitants who love to travel, and who have a sense of unity through ethnic diversity. In other ways, however, Russia differs profoundly from America. Most importantly, America is philosophically rooted in Enlightenment thought, with man as the measure of things, while Russia is traditionally rooted in Orthodox Christianity.
Nations are no more perfect than are people.
Still, just as we look to experienced people for advice, so we converts to Orthodoxy should look to historically Orthodox nations to see how Orthodoxy can pervade all of life and not merely our holy days and church services. If we are to become Christ-like, allowing the Holy Spirit to regenerate us, we will have to reject familiar and beloved things. Most converts to Orthodox Christianity know this. Still, conversion is not as simple as rejecting one's old church. Accomplishing this change, of course, requires adherence to a personal rule of prayer and spiritual reading.