Religious leader from Russia says Olympic Games were "friendliest"
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Vadim Zakharkin, a Russian Orthodox priest, has been to several Olympics and he commented that the Salt Lake 2002 Winter Games was the friendliest.
"People are very friendly," he said."
Mr. Zakharkin came from Russia to Salt Lake City without a place to stay. Some kind Latter-day Saints paid for a hotel room for his first night in town, then he stayed with someone from the Greek Orthodox Church and with several other people.
He said the stay with one family was particularly enjoyable because the family fed him three meals every day and the mother in the family played the piano for him.
He said he was especially impressed with the musical talents of the people of Salt Lake City. He attended many performances in the Tabernacle on Temple Square and said he enjoyed them.
"The people here like culture," he said.
He was told that Latter-day Saints are "honest and good Christians." He spent a good deal of time around Church members and said he has concluded that they are "simply wonderful."
He said his entire experience here has been quite positive.
"I'm feeling wonderful here. I'm very happy all day," he commented.
