RCA Announcements

Russian Heritage Night as part of the San Jose Sharks game

March 15, 2018 By cra-eb

The 1-st Russian Heritage Night as part of the San Jose Sharks game took place on Thursday, March 8th!

The event opened with the singing of the National Anthem by the Holy Virgin Cathedral Choir of San Francisco.
With the entire Russian section (over 200 wearing Sharks scarf with Russian flag embroidered) rooting for the San Jose Sharks against the St.Louis Blues (with Russian professional ice hockey right winger, Vladimir Tarasenko, serving as the Blues alternate captain), the Sharks came away with a 2 to 0 Victory!

A Russian group photo was taken on the ice with Sharks legend, Evgeni Nabokov at the end of the game.

Certificate of honor from Russian Federation for Nikolai Massenkoff

January 22, 2018 By cra-eb

On December 19, 2017, the day of the Feast of St. Nicholas, CRA President, N.Sabelnik presented Nikolai Massenkoff with a certificate of honor from Russian Federation’s commission on compatriots living abroad for his special contribution to support of Russia, development of communication with his historical motherland, and preservation of Russian language and culture.

The certificate was requested to be presented to him by the Consul General Sergey Petrov (and signed by then-Ambassador Sergey Kislyak), but due to the closure of the SF Consulate, N.Sabelnik as current chair of the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots of the US was asked to do the presentation. Nikolai Massenkoff, born in Shanghai and raised in the St.Tichon orphanage (founded by St.John of Shanghai & San Francisco) from the age of 3 years old, dedicated his life to Russian music and culture. For many years, he had conducted and sang in numerous Russian Orthodox church choirs and volunteered his time for Russian community events, concerts, festivals and other fundraising events.

Nikolai Massenkoff, a long-time Congress of Russian Americans member, represented CRA in the 1^st International Russian Festival in Moscow and was named laureate. Among his numerous performances, he has performed at the Seoul, Korea opening Olympic games, at the Las Vegas Jerry Lewis Telethon, Carnegie Hall and throughout different cities and stages of the US, Russia and the world. In 2016, he was nominated by CRA for the Coordinating Council of Russian Compatriots of the US award for his contribution of promotion of Russian culture and won this award. The certificate and award were added to his vast collection of many other awards, as well as posters and photos from his performances.

Old Russian New Year’s Celebration in San Francisco

December 27, 2017 By cra-eb

CONGRESS OF RUSSIAN AMERICANS is a proud supporter and sponsor the annual Old Russian New Year’s Celebration.

All information follows:

All Cossack’s Union of SF invites you to

Join our Old Russian New Year’s Celebration

Friday, January 12^th, 2018

7:30pm

Russian Center of San Francisco

2450 Sutter St. San Francisco

(Parking available in the Garage across the street $10.00)

Evening Includes

Traditional Russian Zakuski, Scrumptious Dinner,

Red & White wine on each table

Dessert, Coffee and Tea

Entertainment and Dancing

Special Guests Nikolai Massenkoff & Sivka Burka Cossack Choir

$95.00 Per Person~No Host Bar

Formal Attire

Reservations and payment must be made by January 2nd

For reservations call:

Palina Suhonos 925-935-6482

Helen Collaco 415-752-5921

Please make checks payable to:

All Cossacks Union of SF

c/o 22 Big Oak Court Walnut Creek, CA 94596

1917-2017 – 100 Years Since the Russian Revolution

November 1, 2017 By cra-eb

1917-2017 – 100 Years Since the Russian Revolution

The Congress of Russian Americans marks November 7th as a day of grief, day of remembrance of the victims of communism. A hundred years ago on November 7, 1917 communists seized power in Russia, our historical homeland. Consequences of this capture – tens of millions of victims who died in the civil war, shot and tortured in concentration camps and died from hunger, has no place in history of equal proportion and cruelty directed against its people.

1917-2017 – Русской революции 100 лет

Конгресс русских американцев отмечает 7 ноября – день скорби и памяти жертв коммунизма. Сто лет тому назад 7 ноября 1917 г. коммунисты захватили власть в России, нашем отечестве.

Последствия этого захвата – десятки миллионов жертв, погибших в гражданской войне, расстрелянных и замученных в концлагерях, умерших от голода, не имеют в истории России равных по размерам и

жестокости, направленной против своего народа.

Молодежный форум 2017 в Нью-Йорке

October 5, 2017 By cra-eb

Конгресс русских американцев поддержал Молодежный форум 2017 в Нью-Йорке и выступил спонсором форума.

Приглашаем русскоязычную молодежь США на Молодежный форум 2017 в Нью-Йорке. Форум состоится 27 октября в Генеральном консульстве России в Нью-Йорке.

Форум состоит из увлекательной и разнообразной программы, которая включает выступления известных соотечественников, историков, духовенства, зарубежных гостей, а также конкурс молодежных проектов, концерт и фуршет. В форуме примут участие представители МИД, посольства РФ в США, Генерального консульства РФ в Нью-Йорке, Россотрудничества, Московского правительства, Торгпредства, молодежных организаций российских соотечественников в США.

Если вам от 18 до 35 лет – ждем вас на форуме. Просим регистрироваться заранее, так как количество мест ограничено. Язык форума – русский. Участие в форуме бесплатное.

Регистрация обязательна: yfny.russiaforumny.com/register.html

ПРОГРАММА ФОРУМА

27 октября 2017 года│15:00 – 20:30

ЧАСТЬ I: Посвящена сохранению культуры, традиций и русского языка.

ЧАСТЬ II: Посвящена консолидации русско-американской молодежи в Америке.

ЧАСТЬ III: Презентации прошедших предварительный отбор молодежных проектов.

ЧАСТЬ IV: Концерт и фуршет.

HURRICANE RELIEF FUND

September 7, 2017 By cra-eb

Anyone wishing to donate directly towards Russian-American families impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Houston, TX and the environs, can send tax-deductible donations to CRA (indicate “Hurricane Relief fund” in memo).

We are working with the Russian Center in Texas, who are offering food, clothing, shoes, shelter and support, as well as other Russian-American organizations in the outlining areas affected by the hurricane and subsequent flooding.

Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Russian fortress Fort Elizabeth on the island of Kauai

September 6, 2017 By cra-eb

This year, Russia and the United States commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the Russian settlements and founding of the Russian fortresses Fort Alexander, Fort Barclay de Tolly and the only one remaining, Fort Elizabeth (Hawaiian: Paʻulaʻula o Hipo), on the island of Kauai. These events are a bright page of the history of positive relations between Russia and the United States.

Congress of Russian Americans, Russian Center New York, and Novosibirsk State University Of Architecture, Design And Arts invite you to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the Russian fortress Fort Elizabeth on the island of Kauai

Venue: Courtyard by Marriott Kaua’i at Coconut Beach, 650 Aleka Loop, Kapaa, HI, USA
Date: November 11-13, 2017

In this commemoration, we plan to hold a celebratory ceremony, a forum, round table, exhibition, a proposed restoration project of the settlement and presentation of several books, as well as a traditional Hawaiian reception and cultural show. Our goal is directed toward strengthening humanitarian ties and mutual understanding between the two nations. We view this as an excellent opportunity to remember the contributions which Russians made in the development of the American continent and in the growth of the spiritual life of the indigenous people of the US.

Steady growth of interest of the citizens of our countries in the pages of history, joint efforts in the field of preservation and promotion of historical and cultural heritage will help to revive communications between our people and to overcome the current decline in relationships between the countries. An opportunity to touch this joint history gives an extraordinary force of influence and raises awareness of participation of the two nations with each other. Additionally, it can give an enormous boost to Hawaii’s travel industry (specifically Kauai) and economy. We hope to attract the attention of possible investors, including the Russian government into restoring Fort Elizabeth to its full historical potential, generating global interest for academics, historians and tourists.

We are proud to report that this project has already gained support of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Moscow government, various US government officials, the Russian Orthodox Church, numerous organizations and universities, as well as historians and academics interested in preserving the Russian historical and cultural heritage. This project will receive informational support from the American and Russian media, and we are confident that we will generate a greater interest in this project once we start introducing and promoting it to the general public.

We trust you will find an opportunity to sponsor, support and/or participate in this project, and have outlined various levels of proposed sponsorship opportunities. These proposals are outlined below:

PLATINUM SPONSOR – Sponsor of all events $10000 or more

Participation in all events.
Logo and the name of the sponsor in forum materials.
Sponsor’s name in all announcements and press releases.
Placement of sponsor’s banners and materials during the events.
Information, logo and website link of the sponsor on the project website and the sites of partner organizations, as well as social networks.
Four invitations to the events.
Ability for the sponsor to speak at all events.
Invitation to VIP reception and exclusive tour.

GOLD SPONSOR – Sponsor of the Forum from $5,000 up to $10,000

Participation in forum, roundtable and reception.
Logo and the name of the sponsor in forum materials.
Name of the sponsor in press releases of the forum.
Placement of sponsor’s banners and materials during the forum.
Information, logo and website link of the sponsor company on the project website and the sites of partner organizations, as well as social networks.
Two invitations to the events.
Ability for the sponsor to speak at the forum.

SILVER SPONSOR – Sponsor of the round table from $2500 up to $5,000

Participation in the forum and the roundtable.
Placement of sponsor’s materials during the round table.
Sponsor’s name in press releases of the round table.
Information, logo and website link of the sponsor company on the project website and the sites of partner organizations, as well as social networks.
Ability for the sponsor to speak at the round table.

BRONZE SPONSOR from $1,000 up to $2,500

Participation in the forum and the roundtable.
Placement of sponsor’s materials during the round table.
Information, logo and website link of the sponsor company on the project website and the sites of partner organizations, as well as social networks.

GENERAL SPONSOR from $500 up to $1,000

Information and logo on the project site.

Friends of Fort Elizabeth – Be a part of the commemoration: all donations to Fort Elizabeth Fund are welcome and tax-deductible. Name of donors over $100 will be listed on a separate page of donors of Friends of Fort Elizabeth. Please send your donations (memo: Fort Elizabeth Fund,), payable to Congress of Russian Americans and send to CRA, 2460 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115. Please include your email, tel., name and address with your check. You may also send your donations here:

Looking forward to your participation and support in this very special commemoration.

For questions about how you can sponsor or participate, please feel free to contact Natalie Sabelnik, president of Congress of Russian Americans, at ngsab@aol.com or call: 1-415-999-7152.

CRA has new Washington DC representative

September 3, 2017 By cra-eb

Xenia Woyevodsky has been involved in Russian-American humanitarian and cultural activities for over 30 years. As Executive Director/CEO of the Tolstoy Foundation, Inc., founded in l939 in New York City by Alexandra Tolstoy, youngest daughter of Leo Tolstoy, she expanded the Foundation’s activities in the 1990’s into the Russian Federation through the establishment of viable working partnerships to raise cultural and historical awareness. Russian-American joint projects included semester abroad programs for the empowerment of disadvantaged children and a ground-breaking exhibit in Moscow on the life and work of Alexandra Tolstoy in 2000. She also collaborated closely with CRA on many mutually-beneficial projects. including improving working relationships with members of Congress.

Later, as Director of the “Consortium of Russian-American Orthodox Parishes and Organizations,” she established a pilot summer program at the L.N. Museum/Estate at Yasnaya Polyana with a grant from the Russian Ministry of Education.

Xenia Woyevodsky continues to serve as President of International Firebird Arts Foundation showcasing Russian culture in America. (www.firebirdarts.org). She is a Member of the Governing Board of the Friends of the Russian Cultural Centre in Washington, D.C. and Secretary of the Parish Council of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Washington and has been involved in many of the Parish’s fundraising events such as the Annual Tatiana Ball and the Tatiana Debutante Cotillion.

She is passionately committed to bilingualism at an early age in childhood development. At the present time, Xenia Woyevodsky is also spearheading the establishment of the Tolstoy Educational Initiative, a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to create and maintain the first Russian language immersion charter school in Washington, D.C. — the Tolstoy Academy. And to support Tolstoy Preschool activities and pre-college summer programs at the Tolstoy Estate in Yasnaya Polyana as well.

Xenia was born in Munich, Germany of “White Russian” parents born in Belgrade. She is a widow with a step-son, Nicholas and grandchildren Michael and James and lives in Bethesda, Maryland.

Fort Ross 2017 annual historical cultural festival

August 1, 2017 By cra-eb

Thousands of people attended the annual historical cultural festival at Fort Ross, on the northwestern California Coast, on July 29, 2017.

Fort Ross settlement was founded in the XIX century by Ivan Kuskov from Tot’ma, Vologodskoy region of Russia. From 1808 to 1812, the settlement was not just part of the Russian American Fur Company, but home to the Russians, but to Kashia native Indians, the Alaska natives (Aleuts) and California ranch era people. Fort Ross is currently a California State Park and a national historical monument.

This history is brought to life each year on the last Saturday of July, where costumed volunteers put on vignettes, as they also show the many trades and crafts of the time. Horse and buggy rides, international foods, as well as song & dance of different cultures, including Russian, as well as Kashia, Russian bell ringing, presentations, exhibits fill the fun-for-the-entire family day.

In her interview to TASS, Olga Miller, director of the Renova Fort Ross Foundation, which is the main sponsor of the festival was quoted as saying that “one of the main goals of the event is to showcase the diverse historical heritage of the fort”. “This event”, she said, “presents a unique opportunity for cultural and international exchange”. Miller feels that this event “brings together people and breaks down deep-rooted stereotypes”.

Among the different groups that performed at the festival were the “Slavyanka Chorus” with their rich program of Russian sacred and folk music, the San Francisco Balalaika Ensemble, Russia House Kedry, Kitka, Children’s Dance & Song Ensemble “Zabavushk” and Su Nu Nu Shinal, the Kashia Pomo and Coast Miwok Native Americans from California performing their traditional songs and dances.

When then-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced a list of potential park closures, and Fort Ross was on the list, Congress of Russian Americans took part in an extensive campaign, involving gathering of names on petitions, not just state-wide and nation-wide, but throughout Latin America, Europe, Australia, where many Russians reside, and who believed that this was indeed a closure of a Russian historical monument and presented letters and petitions to Schwarzenegger against closing the park. It was at this time, also, that Renova Fort Ross Foundation also stepped in, and has been providing support and financial aid to numerous Fort Ross projects ever since.

CRA correspondent

Sponsorship Opportunities for Fort Elizabeth on the island of Kauai

July 4, 2017 By cra-eb

Sponsorship Opportunities