News reports today say that Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Communist leader of the Soviet Union, has acknowledged his Christian faith for the first time. He paid a surprise visit to pray at the tomb of St Francis in Assisi. He was accompanied by his daughter and spent approximately 30 minutes in prayer.
"St Francis is, for me, the alter Christus, the other Christ," said Mr Gorbachev. "His story fascinates me and has played a fundamental role in my life," he added.
Mr. Gorbachev was baptized into the Russian Orthodox Church, and his parents were Christians. Also, the parents of his wife were deeply religious and were killed during World War II for having religious icons in their home.
This confirms decades of rumors that he was a Christian although he was forced to publicly state that he was an atheist. Ronald Reagan allegedly told close aides that he felt his opponent during the Cold War was a closet Christian.
Mr. Gorbachev was baptized into the Russian Orthodox Church, and his parents were Christians. Also, the parents of his wife were deeply religious and were killed during World War II for having religious icons in their home.
This confirms decades of rumors that he was a Christian although he was forced to publicly state that he was an atheist. Ronald Reagan allegedly told close aides that he felt his opponent during the Cold War was a closet Christian.
After his prayers, Mr Gorbachev toured the Basilica of St Francis. He asked to see an icon of St Francis portraying his dream at Spoleto. "It was through St Francis that I arrived at the Church, so it was important that I came to visit his tomb," said Mr Gorbachev. He asked the Franciscan friars for theological books to help him understand the life of St. Francis.
2 comments:
Remember all those Rosaries for the 'Conversion of Russia'?
Wow! Many moons ago, i remember pilgrims burying tiny Miraculous medals on their way to the great wall of China...sounds very prophetic(sp)...
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