Letters to the Editor

To the Editors:
In the article about Sergei Yesenin (Russian Life, Sep/Oct 2010, page 18), there was mentioned a movie about him made in 2005 by Igor Zaitsev. By any chance is the latter related to the Stalingrad [sniper] legend, Vasily?

Also, what is the status of the Russian remake of the film Taras Bulba?

Cordially,

Paul E. Catt

Indianapolis, IN

Paul:

Zaitsev is a very common Russian last name, and while these two individuals might be distantly related, a closer relation does not seem likely, if only because Igor was born in 1942, and Vasily was serving in the Pacific Fleet prior to being sent to Stalingrad in 1942. Interestingly, however, Igor also made the widely-acclaimed film Diversant, about Soviet troops behind German lines at the end of WWII.

The famous sniper Vasily Zaitsev died in 1991 and was originally buried in Kiev. But later his ashes were moved to Volgograd’s Mamayev Kurgan, as per Zaitsev’s final wishes.

Vladimir Bortko’s Taras Bulba was released in 2009.

– The Editors

To the Editors:
I am sure you have already received many responses regarding an error in Rhonda Abner’s article “The Real Last Tsar” in the July/August 2011 issue. On page 30 the author refers to Rasputin as a “depraved monk.” Rasputin is not known to have ever taken the monastic tonsure in the Russian Orthodox Church and, in fact, was married and had children. He was a layman and held no church office. I am surprised that authors continue to make this glaring mistake and that the editors of Russian Life — which is a superb publication — did not catch it.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer the correction.

Rdr. Timothy

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Washington, D.C.

To the Editors:
I spoke with you today and ordered Survival Russian.

I came home from work and found out that my next issue has arrived!

So I am sending you a note to say thank you again for your wonderful publication!

I love your magazine!

Sincerely,

Julia Kelson

by email