Moscow: On July 26th, by invitation of Mr. Nikolai Mitrokhin, Director of the Russian Literary Center, I had the honor of participating in the gathering of the “Architects of Thought” Salon — a distinguished event held in celebration of the release of the new issue of the literary almanac Rodina (“Motherland”).
During this evening of poetic discourse and cultural reflection, I was deeply touched to receive a Commendation Certificate presented by Mr. Konstantin Spassky, Chairman of the Moscow Regional Organization of the Russian Creative Union of Cultural Workers. The award recognized my ongoing efforts in organizing and conducting literary meetings that contribute to the promotion and dissemination of artistic literature in the Russian Federation.
In my response, I spoke about the vibrant activities of the “Russian Poetry in Austria” Literary Club, which operates under the auspices of the Russian Center of Science and Culture in Vienna. I also highlighted the recent commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Vienna and Victory Day, honoring the Soviet Union’s triumph in the Second World War.
As part of the evening’s program, I read selections from my poetry collection And the Saved World Remembers — a book that intertwines personal memory with collective historical legacy.
Following the official program, another special meeting took place — this one convened by members of the literary society DOOS (Voluntary Society for the Protection of Dragonflies), an avant-garde collective of which I have been a member since 2010, proudly bearing the title of “Austrosaurus”. The gathering was held in celebration of my 85th birthday.
During this warm and joyous occasion, I shared memories of the enduring friendship that my wife and I have cherished with two extraordinary figures of Russian avant-garde poetry — Konstantin Kedrov and Elena Katsyuba — both brilliant writers and generous hosts. I read some of my poems that had been regularly published in their acclaimed periodical, The Poets’ Journal, a publication that has long served as a beacon for experimental and visionary literature.
The evening concluded with remarks by the eminent avant-garde poet, literary scholar, and editorial board member of The Poets’ Journal, Dr. Alexander Bubnov, who offered thoughtful reflections on my poetic work.
It was a night that not only honored the past but rekindled the timeless fire of poetic fellowship — in Moscow, and beyond.
