Russian Youth Exchanges to Ohio

During five exchanges, MVERN has brought 25 Russian teenagers from St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Sablino, Russia, to Ohio to meet Episcopal youth from throughout the Miami Valley. Quickly breaking down all barriers and with joyful exuberance, friendships have developed that official diplomatic exchanges can never match. For two weeks our Russian guests have stayed in the homes of Episcopal teenagers, getting to know our families, our communities, churches, schools, and our love. Communication has been facilitated by Dr. Igor Tolochin, professor of English, St. Petersburg University. As their chaperone, mentor, translator and buffer, he has done it all with skill and wit. As the American and Russian youth discovered similar interests, language impediments were quickly overcome. Activities have included lots of picnics and swimming parties, visits to area tourist sites and museums, and shopping. They have worshipped in Episcopal and Orthodox churches and met Bishop Price in Columbus. But the visits have been more than play. On each trip they have worked alongside Episcopal youth on a Habitat for Humanity house or joined the youth from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Dayton, on a mission trip to Appalachia. With a new understanding of the United States, our Russian guests have returned home, tired but filled with memories of their American friends.

Photo Gallery Sites:

Youth Exchange Photo Gallery


More about the Youth Trips:

Youth Exchange 2006 (Interchange article) (Page 25)