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This Happened

This Happened—January 31st:  McDonald's In The USSR

Emerging from decades of communism and the Cold War with the United States, on this day in 1990, more than 5,000 people showed up at the opening of Moscow’s first McDonald's.

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Why did Moscow introduce the first McDonald’s to its people?

The entry of the iconic American chain into Russia was seen as a symbol of ongoing economic and political reforms between the U.S. and Russia. The company's operations in the country continued even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union the next year.

Was the Russian McDonald's menu different?

McDonald's restaurants in Russia serve chicken wings and shrimp, and McZavtrak, the menu for Russia’s version of McBreakfast offers cheesecake rolls, blini and oatmeal.

Is McDonald’s still operating in Russia?

McDonald's had over 800 restaurants across Russia with a total of 62,000 employees in 2022. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and pressure on social media, McDonald's announced in March that it would temporarily suspend its operations in Russia, but would continue to pay its employees there. A BBC reporter who attended the closing said that it was "hugely symbolic," as the first store's opening was "when iron curtains were crumbling & Russia was embracing the West."

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Society

Should Christians Be Scared Of Horror Movies?

Horror films have a complicated and rich history with christian themes and influences, but how healthy is it for audiences watching?

Should Christians Be Scared Of Horror Movies?

"The Nun II" was released on Sept. 2023.

Joseph Holmes

“The Nun II” has little to show for itself except for its repetitive jump scares — but could it also be a danger to your soul?

Christians have a complicated relationship with the horror genre. On the one hand, horror movies are one of the few types of Hollywood films that unapologetically treat Christianity (particularly Catholicism) as good.

“The Exorcist” remains one of the most successful and acclaimed movies of all time. More recently, “The Conjuring” franchise — about a wholesome husband and wife duo who fight demons for the Catholic Church in the 1970s and related spinoffs about the monsters they’ve fought — has more reverent references to Jesus than almost any movie I can think of in recent memory (even more than many faith-based films).

The Catholic film critic Deacon Steven Greydanus once mentioned that one of the few places where you can find substantial positive Catholic representation was inhorror films.

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