The expansion of Scientology in a new area always starts with the works of L Ron Hubbard becoming known and available. One of the many actions taken to broadly disseminate the works of L Ron Hubbard in Russia. was the creation of the L Ron Hubbard Study Hall in Moscow State University. This hall, beautifully renovated and full of LRH books, taped lectures and films, is a center for the learning of LRH technology not only by students but educators, businessmen and government policy makers.
The building housing the LRH Study Hall is located directly opposite the Red Square and the Kremlin in the heart of Moscow.
To prepare for the public inauguration of the Hall, a plan was carried out to completely upgrade the premises. Since adequate building materials are scarce in Russia. Scientologists from around the world donated materials and time to the renovations project.
With materials from Finland and England, Scientologists and Russian craftsmen, students and even librarians worked side by side, completing the project in 10 days.
The Hall was dedicated to L Ron Hubbard on March 10th 1992 and in making the dedication, the Dean of the Faculty of Journalism, Professor Zassoursky, said:
“On behalf of the Moscow University and the Faculty of Journalism. I am happy to inaugurate this hall as L. Ron Hubbard Hall — of our library, of our school. It is a recognition of the great achievements of the great man, great author, great adventurer, that we do this. And we hope that the library will be helpful in the publishing of L. Ron Hubbard’s books in our country in Russian, and in many other languages of the Commonwealth of Independent States which now form the Soviet Union. And it is promoting his ideas, his thoughts, especially his views on curing the drug addicts and alcoholics, his views on permanent education, which are very close to my heart, and certainly his ideas of man. These are the greatest achievements of this world and we are very grateful to you for bringing us these books…”
Additionally, University officials requested that LRH books also be provided for inclusion in the principal library of the Moscow State University. LRH’s books now occupy one entire wall in the Professors’ Study Hall.
LRH and his works now have a permanent place in the heart of Russia, a place where Russians can always come and learn more of LRH technology.
[Sidebar:] Joe and Martha Kras, Patrons of the Association, volunteered to go to Russia to assist with the creation of the LRH Hall in Moscow University. Joe wrote:
“There is so much to say about Russia it would fill volumes. In short it was the most eye-opening experience of my life.
“We went because we knew that this project completed would make LRH more well known and make a real impact on the expansion front there.
“The Russian people were extremely affectionate and demonstrated very high affinity. Their attitude to their new freedom is like someone who has always been blind suddenly being able to see.
“Dissemination in Russia is very easy. People there are ready for anything from West and find the teaching of LRH very beneficial. And it is only LRH technology that will get them into present time, following their recent suppressed past.
“I feel what is most needed in Russia is direction. You have an emerging country ready to join the free world, but how do they do that? That is where the technology comes in. This will give them the direction they need. Basic tech, translated books, trained auditors, C/Ses and supervisors….
“I felt I was an emissary of Scientology to Russia. The effect produced in the short time we were there was staggering. The people we met and worked with really could see what intention and purpose were all about. We made it very well known that we were Scientologists and proud of it.
“Russia is a very important area in the expansion of Scientology. People involved in activities there can see the potential. Find out how you can become involved in this and do it. This applies to any IAS member anywhere. Russia is refreshingly open to Scientology and Scientologists. Anyone who can help should.” 1
Notes
- Impact 44 (pp. 20-21) (1992). ↩