Novosibirsk: City Day

Yesterday, the last Sunday in June was a day of celebration for the city of Novosibirsk. We took part in the parade to celebrate the city. We were part of a group of 300 or so people from different ch-s around the city. It was great to be part of such a group. We knew that people were from different denominations so it was wonderful to see some unity in its early stages. It was also wonderful that there is freedom to do such a thing in Russia now. Please pr. that such freedom could continue and even grow. It was very special for us to take part in singing J is Lord over all the nations, knowing how true that really is.

There were other groups in the parade, some community groups, but many groups solely there for the purpose of advertising. There was a group advertising Coca Cola, another group advertising the “Burn” energy drink and yet another advertising a chain of junk food kiosks across the city. I found it bemusing that a day for celebration had become a day for advertising.
The same loud speakers that exist on the main street of Novosibirsk and were once used for propaganda are now used for advertising. It seems that this society has undergone a massive pendulum swing and needs to find a balance in the middle.