Polska – Rosja. „Trudne” sąsiedztwo
Poland – Russia „Difficult” Neighborhood

Summary/Abstract: Author of this article reflects on the relationships among two countries: Poland and Russia. He named it „difficult neighborhood”, indicating historical – religious-cultural determinants of today`s situation. In fact the stereotypes and mutual „prejudices” in ours societies are still at work. To illustrate this he recalls what was said or done by some great personalities (Dostoyevsky, Berdyaev to Milosz, Solzenicyn and president Putin). Out of this analysis some negative perspectives for the future, to the Author`s mind, arise because these stereotypes are bound to be unsurmontable. On the other hand, however, sociological researches seems to be undoubtedly more optimistic. According to the studies done in 2001 by the Polish Press Agency (PAP) and the Russian Informations Agency („Novosti”): Poles and Russians are no more „opponents”, nor „allies” but – simply „partners”. There are only 18% of Russians and 11% of Poles who claim: we are „opponents”. And there are only 3% and 2% (respectively) of those who view our relationships as „hostile” The relationship among Roman – Catholic Church and the Moscow Orthodox Patriarchate is also a very important aspect of our neighborhood. (nb. there are no serious conflicts among Roman Catholic Church and Orthodox Church in Poland) We need much time to heal ourselves from the mutual „prejudices” and stereotypes (shaped through centuries). But we should see ourselves in the perspective of the once called „Churches–Sisters”, not in opposition to each other but friendly-oriented cultures. This groving mutual understanding is evidently seen nowodays in Poland through such frequent events as: concerts, festivals of orthodox music, exhibitions of icons. This article points to mental and cultural deep-set differences and throws light on the mutual values of the two neighbouring nations

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