Friends House Moscow is an initiative of Friends (Quakers) worldwide which seeks to encourage spiritual growth and the development of a civil society based on mutual trust and community cooperation. We aim to provide a stable and visible presence in the face of rapidly changing conditions as we express the unique faith and practice of the Religious Society of Friends. We put this faith into action by working for social justice based on our fundamental belief in the presence of God in each individual.
Our priorities are to:
• Support Friends and individual seekers interested in Quaker faith and practice
• Provide training in alternatives to violence and conflict management resolution
• Promote alternatives to military service
• Protect the rights of and provide services for underprivileged groups and individuals, including women, the elderly, disabled people, refugees, homeless children and orphans
• Promote the development of a culture of voluntary social work
Friends House Moscow is run by an international board with members from several countries. Its Co-Clerks are Mary Morris and Daphne Sanders. We have two full-time staff, Sergei Grushko (director) and Natasha Zhurovenkova (administrator and interpreter).
Natasha Zhurovenkova and Sergei Grushko in the office
Friends of Friends House Moscow operates through two organisations: Friends House Moscow Support Association, based in the USA, and the Friends House Moscow British Committee.
Friends House Moscow works from a small office in Moscow. It is the base for our administration, and also has space for small groups to gather. This space is used regularly for Alternatives to Violence Project workshops.
Visitors at the office
Дом Друзей – некоммерческая организация, целью которой является содействие развитию гражданского общества в России путем налаживания связей между бизнесом, НКО, сообществами и инициативными группам граждан в быстро меняющихся обстоятельствах современной жизни. Главная особенность нашей работы – признание равенства потенциалов всех участников гражданского диалога, взаимное доверие, уважение и стремление к социальной справедливости.