Ostrov The Island with English Subtitles 3 of 12

omewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives a very unusual man. His fellow-monks are confused by his bizarre conduct. Those who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future. However, he considers himself unworthy because of a sin he committed in his youth. The film is a parable, combining the realities of Russian everyday life with monastic ritual and routine.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Russian
• Orthodox
• Christian
• Monastic
• Ascetic
• Ostrov
• Island

[TheSouthernGentleman]

I surprised that these monasteries continued to operate during Soviet times. Was it only during Stalin's reign that it was very bad for Christians? 

[BorislavX]

@TheSouthernGentleman

It was bad, but one thing to remember is the fact that as the Germans occupied territories they sought to make the Church an ally and allowed parishes to open. Stalin understood very well that the people in the USSR were still believers and Orthodox at heart in their majority. To counter Hitler, Stalin allowed Churches to begin to operate once again. This was a purely political move.

[TheSouthernGentleman]

I see, my personal opinion is that God is not a respecter of political ideologies and that the church should NEVER be politicized.

[BorislavX]

@TheSouthernGentleman Well yes, but Stalin isn't exactly a shining example of Christian spirituality.

[TheSouthernGentleman]

@BorislavX I never would have suggested such, I was merely speaking in general. 

[BorislavX]

@TheSouthernGentleman Oh I was never suggesting that you were suggesting it! :) Peace brother.

[bakagaijin30]

I'm a recent convert to Orthodoxy- thank you so much for posting this, I've been wanting to see this for a while. Is it based on any real Fool for Christ's story?

[TheWitcherFanboy]

@ZamolxisGebeleizis Atheist cunt. :)

[ZamolxisGebeleizis]

@bakagaijin30 What was your former religion? :)

[uofc57]

@bakagaijin30 No one specific; there are many past and present monks, nuns, and laypeople who have led such a life