From China to Latin America: Trajectories of Russian Emigration – Lecture and Book Exhibit

The Cultural Center “Our Texas” launches a digital exhibition on Russian religion in the 20th century, featuring over 20 vintage books and Eastern Orthodox icons donated by the families of Russian emigrants. The collection includes a wide range of texts, from Christian literature to Soviet-era fiction and non-fiction. The online version of the exhibition is accessible via the center’s website complete with companion lectures on YouTube, marking the start of the “Religion in Russia through Books” series curated by Dr. Stanislav Panin.

Dr. Panin, a religious studies expert, leads the program that also includes in-person lectures and book exhibits at the center through May. The second lecture, on May 22, covers Russian diasporic life spotlighting emigrant publications printed in China and Latin America. It traces how Russian spiritual traditions evolved in different parts of the world focusing on book publishing as a vehicle for cultural preservation and a way to imagine alternative futures and transform Russian society through cultural interventions.

Second Lecture “From China to Latin America: Trajectories of Russian Emigration”

Date: Friday, May 22, 7.30 pm

Cultural Center “Our Texas” located at 2337 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005

Lectures are accompanied by curated displays of Russian books and icons, offering tangible access to diverse spiritual expressions of the Russian diaspora.

Exhibition “Religion in Russia through Books”

On View: May 22 – May 29, 2026

Cultural Center “Our Texas” located at 2337 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005

About the Humanities Expert

Dr. Stanislav Panin is a religious studies scholar with expertise in the history of contemporary spirituality in the Soviet Union and the Russian diaspora. He holds a PhD from Rice University and is passionate about bridging academic research with public understanding. He is especially interested in the global nature of contemporary spirituality and intercultural, transnational connections. His interdisciplinary approach connects religious studies with other fields, including literary history and social sciences.

Admission is free.

The exhibition is open Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The program is supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.