Editor:
I am surprised at the superficial and uninformed tone your article. As in the recent article on Dianetics, there is nothing to indicate either the serious damage to one's psychological well-being or the blatantly non-scientific charlatanry of such practices.
Russia is awash with pseudo-religious cults practicing mind-control techniques, some originating from abroad and others having their roots in Russia. Interest in hypnosis and other forms of sorcery is typical of a certain section of society that wishes to surrender responsibility in the face of today's harsh realities. The lack of legal control means that the credulous and the desperate are prepared to surrender their money to self-styled "prophets" promising deliverance from their troubles.
The determining factor is money. TV and radio air-time are bought up for large sums of money for the propagation of pagan practices. The impoverished position of the Orthodox Church means that Russia's traditional faith for more than 1,000 years is in an extremely weak position to reply.
I trust that in the future The Moscow Times will take a more serious approach when dealing with matters that pertain to the salvation of peoples' souls.
Father Christopher Hill
Church of St. Nicholas
"v pyzhakh"
Moscow, Russia
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