Russian Profile
Death and Dying

According to Lyobov Boyko, Russians typically want to see their loved ones buried as soon as possible. No matter how cold it is outside or how hard the ground, Russians will persevere and dig a hole in the frozen earth to bury the deceased. Many of the Russians who have moved to Utica are not pleased with the American practice of waiting until spring, when the ground thaws, to bury the coffins of those who died during the winter. Currently, most of the Pentecostal Christians who pass away in Utica are buried at a cemetery on Oneida Street. However, many Pentecostal Christians hope that they can one day have their own cemetery, where they would be able to bury their loved ones as soon as possible - whatever the season.

When a loved one is close to death, friends, family and the pastor gather at his or her side. The hospital staff is asked to let the family know when the end is drawing near. The pastor prays for God's will, and that his will will include a recovery. If there is time, the pastor will give the ill person communion before he or she passes away.

The Pentecostal Christian religion does not take a firm stance on either side of the issue of life support. However, Lyobov said that in cases where there is no hope for a person to live without artificial life support systems, she supports cessation of life support.