Русский | English Translation by Katherine Ilachinski (Aug 2009)

Departure from Harbin and last years in the Native land.

During the preparation for departure from Harbin inevitably arose a question of a route. Where to move - in the USSR or as people of Harbin spoke, "behind small river" - that is to the countries of other "camp". The native land was loved, certainly, by everybody, but over many were remembranceof the past, hurt from not healed spiritual wounds, not forgotten insults and fears. Many remained ideologically irreconcilable or not trusting in Khrushchev's "liberalism".

To clergy it was even more complex: to pain of civil conscience was added the anxiety of priestly conscience. It was clear to all, that the priests moving in "the western direction" most likely awaited transition under jurisdiction of the Foreign Synod. On the other hand, to the country with rooted traditions of "militant godlessness " priests-fathers of Harbin were not too drawn…

For himself Bishop Nikandr had firmly decided to follow the promise given on the day of consecration to bishophood. Then he has declared obedience and fidelity to Patriarch of Moscow Alexis. But to dispose of destinies of clergy to him was very difficult. However, he had already experience of actions in a similar situation. We shall remind, that in 1922, when Whites were leavingVladivostok, he has given each priest the right to freely make his choice. And now to those priests that have responded to an appeal from Moscow, Bishop Nikandr rendered all assistance and has sent in September, 1955 the big group of repatriates, guaranteeing them, as agreed with the Patriarchy, priestly and deacons places in Fatherland. To those clerics that did not aspire to return to the USSR, he did not begin to abuse his authority and administrative opportunities, limiting only by soft bishop's advice: "Pastors of Orthodox Church never lived separately from the flock, and always lived together, dividing with them grief and pleasure. The way for us is in this time open and specified. We are sure, that on this way will go both temporarily remaining spiritual fathers and believing laymen. To deliberate here long is not necessary. We have no other way at present and no other way will be. Home! Closer to Patriarch's protection" [44.]

[44] Russian word. - Harbin, on September 21, 1955