In society

The fate of Russia

November 15, 2010 Hegumen Peter (Meshcherynov)

The fate of Russia today is in the hands of one person.

This man is not a president at all, and not even a prime minister. The name of this person is Viktor Nikolaevich Danilkin. He is a judge, chairman of the Khamovnichesky Court of Moscow.

Perhaps there is no more responsible, more important and, I would say, more “religiously rich” public ministry than the judge’s ministry. "Do not judge, and you will not be convicted." The judge avoids the formidable consequences of the violation of this commandment when he does not “judge” in an arbitrary way, but finds out the truth and states the facts that have become obvious in the open trial: this is true, and this is a lie; This is justice, and this is a reservation.

Judging by the publications , Viktor Danilkin is a good person. Not bad, but ordinary, “systemic”, not a hero. And, most likely, a system person will make systemic decisions.

But there is a moment when the most systemic person reaches a certain moral face, when he can no longer go against his own conscience. Then it was as if the wings of the soul are dealt with, the smallest and insignificant “performer” elevates the voice and says: “No, I can’t and I don’t want to lie.” This is the moment when a person becomes a man. Maybe this is the minute for which we are given life.

But at the same time it is a great severity, and fear, and pain. And such a severity fell to Victor Danilkin. Today it was on it that the moral focus of our life came together. If Judge Danilkin pronounces a fair sentence, Russia has a future. If not, I'm afraid, under the Russian history you can fail. An unlawful decision will be a serious blow to the and so weak Russian judicial system, as a result of which our country will more and more slide into the Soviet neo -feudal past. But after the tragic history of the 20th century, Russia does not have the strength to again pass the same circles of hell. Further division of people deprived of faith in legal protection will lead to the collapse of social ties, the consequences of which can be the most unpredictable and tragic.

And today these consequences depend on the judge Danilkin. Such a cargo, such a responsibility (which Viktor Danilkin did not choose for himself; he brought him a move of things to her) requires not ill -winging expectation, condemnation or contempt, but great sympathy and support. In this situation, I would like to call believers to pray for Viktor Nikolaevich, and unbelievers - to wish him from the whole heart the courage, human dignity and awareness of not only the high duty of the judge, but also the historical significance of the case in which he should put an end.

I will not experience evil feelings in relation to Judge Danilkin if he pronounces a sentence coming from the obvious course of the whole process, but from other considerations. A person is weak - heroism can only be required from himself. Even, most likely, it is necessary to prepare for the fact that the verdict will be legally and morally unacceptable. But contrary to everything, there is still time for hope - the hope that a person can become a person and at the most unexpected moment to prove himself from the good side. It would really be very reliable in such a significant business to once again be convinced that in Russia there were no courageous, honest and decent people. It is precisely the hope that still remains in our public space human and professional dignity that remains in our public space.

And without this hope, Russia will certainly lose its right to exist.

The author is the rector of the courtyard Danilov Monastery in the suburbs, an employee of the Patriarchal Center for Spiritual Development of Children and Youth at Danilov Monastery