With this type of Soviet era history, it is perhaps not surprising that the younger generation may not be used to going to church that often. It has been written elsewhere that communist-era churches may have been crippled so that there would be "no other organized elites or institutions with recognized rights and adequate nation-wide authority to check, counter and discipline the state.” Yet today the church, as a large, well-connected non-profit organization, has the potential to fill in some areas where the State cannot. Take the wonderful example of that landmark church on the corner of Bloor and Avenue Road (Toronto): “Are you in need of help, or looking for a place to be part of community? We offer:
• A hot breakfast and lunch, every day Monday through Friday (excluding holidays and our annual summer break)
• Medical/nursing services, twice a week. Counselling, twice a week”. In summary: The Church is a very valuable part of the community.

The Church is just as strong as it needs to be.
It was the main organizing force that toppled the Communist oppression of Poland. That led to a domino effect and the collapse of the evil Soviet empire.
Today, the Church is as strong as an over cooked noodle.

Just curious.....
Why doesn't the Riigikogu Estonian Parliament website have Christmas greetings this year? In the recent past, they had very beautiful messages. My favourite from their December 2008 website :

Jõululumi (Kustas Põldmaa, 1932)

Langeb vaikselt udusulgi,
Siidipehmet jõululund.
Pilvesülest alla ilma-
Lumiliblikate lend.

Suudleb valgeks musta mulla,
mured valgeks õnnelooks,
helisema jõulukella,
südamesse soojushooks.