February 11, 2023

"Glory to Siberia," A Desecration to the Anthem?


"Glory to Siberia," A Desecration to the Anthem?
Fans singing "Glory to Siberia" before a game. Dmitry Pirogov, Youtube.

Every time the Russian national anthem has been played before recent games, fans of the Russian ice hockey club Siberia replaced the line "Glory to the State" with "Glory to Siberia." In response, on February 8, the Russian-Belarusian-Kazakh Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) sent a letter to the Siberia team asking it to stop its fans from changing the lyrics.

If accused of profaning the flag or coat of arms, Russians can face up to a year in prison. Traditionally, disrespecting the national anthem is considered an administrative offense, so those charged must pay a fine.

In October 2022, legislators from the St. Petersburg assembly proposed adding a provision to include the desecration of the anthem to the criminal code. On February 7, the initiative was supported by the upper chamber of the Russian Duma, but a decision has yet to be taken.

A source close to the situation told Kommersant Siberia: "In the club, there still is no grasp of how it can gain leverage over an audience of two million," reflecting puzzlement at how amplified the provincial incident has become.

You Might Also Like

Memes For Our Times

Memes For Our Times

We explain ten recent memes that best capture the current sociopolitical mood across a large subset of Russian society.
What Is Fair in Love and War?
  • February 07, 2023

What Is Fair in Love and War?

The International Olympic Committee is advocating for Russian and Belarusian involvement in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Old Hymn, New Words
  • January 20, 2001

Old Hymn, New Words

The 'old' Soviet Hymn is now the official anthem of the Russian Federation, minus the original lyrics. New lyrics have been approved by Pres. Putin; read them and listen to the Anthem here.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

At the Circus
January 01, 2013

At the Circus

This wonderful novella by Alexander Kuprin tells the story of the wrestler Arbuzov and his battle against a renowned American wrestler. Rich in detail and characterization, At the Circus brims with excitement and life. You can smell the sawdust in the big top, see the vivid and colorful characters, sense the tension build as Arbuzov readies to face off against the American.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955