The Northwest of Russia has a unique potential in the field of tourism and health rehabilitation. More than half of Russia's nature reserves as well as world renowned historical and cultural monuments, that are protected by UNESCO, are located here.
         We are on the eve of the 2000th anniversary of Christianity. We are experiencing o revival of Christian spirituality. This raises a special interest in the spiritual culture of the past and its wonderful monuments. The Northwest of Russia is especially rich in such treasures. A pristine part of pre-Mongolian Russia has survived here. It is to this area, with its fabulous landscapes, forts, cathedrals, settlements and churchyards, towns and townships, that we devote this special issue to the 2000 year anniversary of Christianity.
         Brilliant examples of ancient wooden and stone church architecture of the Novgorod and Pskov schools, together with masterpieces of St. Petersburg religious architecture of the late 19th - early 20th century, are numerous in Russia's NorthWest. They stand as the nation's pride and glory as we approach the 2000th anniversary of Christianity.