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Russian Village of Vladimirovo (Illinois, USA)

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Originally, the village was inhabited exclusively by Russian-speaking Orthodox Christians, closely monitored by the founder of the camp, Archbishop Seraphim. For a long time, the Orthodox "Vladimirovsky Festival" took place in the settlement. In the last quarter of the 20th century, there were more than thirty houses in Vladimirovo. However, with the onset of the new century, many Russians sold their homes, and new residents, sometimes not connected to the Russian world, appeared in the village. Now, the revival of the village is being led by Nikolai Lokhmatov, a deacon of the Church of Saint Prince Vladimir.

"We strive to revive Vladimirovo and its Orthodox traditions so that predominantly Russian-speaking, believing people live here again," says Nikolai. Already, the efforts of the settlers under Lokhmatov's guidance are yielding results. Russian compatriots are returning to the village, their number has already exceeded one hundred and fifty. The construction of a Russian school has begun, as a new generation is growing. The settlers are confident that soon there will be many more students, as families of compatriots already have five to seven children.

In addition, a camp has been revived in Vladimirovo. More than seventy people visit it annually, and each session lasts about a month. The camp has strict Spartan conditions, but this does not deter the campers. The cabins lack luxury, only bunks and sleeping bags, and gadgets are prohibited in the children's center. Discipline must be maintained, and older children are expected to take care of the younger ones, as children of different ages live together. During the sessions, children learn about Russian culture and the basics of Orthodoxy, and they try their hand at theatrical and musical arts.

The residents of Vladimirovo call it "a piece of homeland in a foreign land." Everything here reminds one of Russia: street names (Pushkin, Sarovsky, Tchaikovsky), the tricolor on mailboxes, Russian coats of arms on houses, the flora of central Russia, birches, daisies, dandelions. All of this is accompanied by the crowing of roosters, the lazy barking of dogs, and the melodic ringing of the local church bells.

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