Chapter 7 Summary

Shurik is still taking his leisurely birthday walk. He describes the history of the church of Saint Lazarus, the village church, which he comes across on his walk. During Stalin's era, there was no village priest and the church fell into ruin. Afterward, the people of the village gradually came back to the church; and an effort was made to restore it. He describes the day when he attended the meeting convened by village officials to discuss the future of the church. They ask his opinion about what should be done with it. He is fearful. It reminds him of the interrogations in the old days by Soviet officials. He gamely replies that he believes the church should be restored as a testament to the past. It helps the people to understand their cultural heritage. He says it will give continuity to the...