By 1942, Stalin figured the strength of the Nazi army was beginning to wane and that he, finally, would have a strategic advantage. Stalin planned to liberate Leningrad and establish strongholds at Sevastopol and Kharkov.

The author of the Old Testament Trinityicon; his life and other works.

Part II of article about Tsar Nicholas I of Russia.

Editor's suggestions of books about the transition of the former Soviet States.

A sweetbread that is a Pascha (Easter) tradition.

After the Time of Troubles and the beginning of the Romanov Dynasty (1613), Russia saw a century characterized by rebellion and war.

A brief look at the often time confusing issue of the 'old' and 'new' calendars used by Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church. This article contains links to indepth and more technical material on the subject.

The presidency and life of former President Boris Yeltsin who resigned on December 31, 1999.

Do you think the Cold War was over? Existing tensions between Russia and the U.S. regarding missile defense and NATO expansion are increasing. Is it possible for both to protect their interests against perceived threats without becoming a threat to each other?(originally published Feb. 2001)

Part II looks at the concern many have for a 'new' cold war.