That's a really cool story makes feel a little better about the impending financial crisis, wars, crazy weather etc. There are still human beings that make existence better out there.

He wasn't poisoned with polonium 210 or stabbed with a ricin coated umbrella so probably not a political hit involving spooks. There was no attempt at an execution/contract style killing by a sniper or with a handgun so probably not a mob related affair. No explosives or bombs so probably not terrorist related. Attacker was disguised (probably because they were known by the victim and would have been recognized) and used a method that causes disfigurement and suffering but not death (so probably an act of revenge by someone known to the victim who feels he hurt them in some way). The attacker should be searched for among the people in contact with and known to the victim by looking for a history of prior arrest, depression, substance abuse, psychiatric care, etc.. Every effort should be made to apprehend and prosecute the attacker as he/she may feel free to attack others in the future. Here is hoping Mr. Filin a speedy recovery and return to his profession. The Bolshoi is the premier ballet in the world with a long illustrious history including performance of the first rendition of Swan Lake.

yeah i heard it seemed work or personal related because of the extremes the attacker went to "artistisicize" the type of attack, ie that it was attacking his public persona, image etc, and he is the rep of the ballet company. but he's a better and stronger man than i would probably be in that situation. very strong reaction. good for him.

Pandora, it is a logical conclusion, except that the perpetrator may not have been on any drugs or had any history of visiting psychologists: if they were dancers, they were working day and night, and if they had been on drugs they wouldn't have been able to dance at that level. Even though he forgives, which may help him to heal (and I hope he heals quickly and well), I do hope that the perpetrator is caught and prevented from working or teaching ever again in the dance world. I wonder if the other dancers are nervous about the people around them because of this.

forgive ?....NEVER.....that is as big a cop out as the term 'closure'....they will never forget....and neither would I.........

Isn't is better to forgive then to hold a life long grudge and one you may never be able to solve. I think that if you can forgive you are a better person and if you never forget then you are also a wise person.

manoftoday...well said. Sergei is a great example. He has inspired me to be better about forgiving those that have hurt me. Get well Sergei... I am praying for you!

Sometimes forgiveness is the only thing a victim can do to move on, even if the one(s) forgiven are not deserving of such.

Are you on drugs??? Or just a candy ass?

Manoftoday...so true, harboring hate for another is a terrible waste of one's energy. That would be two vicious acts.

What a nasty thing to have happen. I'm sure Sergei means what he says about forgiving his attackers but I just don't know if it is just that easy. If he can forgive I feel he well be a much happier person than if he let hatred and self pity eat him up.

I agree with some of the other posters here that our world is getting crazier and crazier. What are we to do about it? Perhaps Sergei's philosophy is the best, to forgive and move on. But then again there is something to be said for justice, too.

I hope Sergei's eyesight improves and his scars turn into a badge of courage and he can once again dance, dance, dance. Best of luck to him in the future and in forgiving his attackers.

Addendum - I hope he doesn't equate forgiveness with the need for a just punishment for his attackers. They are two totally different things. Forgive but don't let justice forget. Again, good luck and a speedy recovery Sergei.

I could never forgive something like that, I would be looking to get some acid and do the same back! We are living in a world where, when the crazy see you are crazier, they step back and leave you alone.

USA? Terrorism is rampant in other countries and not so much in America. Anyway, it is a sad thing and I truly hope he recovers.

Generally, to forgive is healing to oneself. Let's face it, the type of "person" who would throw acid does not care if you forgive them. However, to continue to hate someone for doing you a wrong only poisons you by carrying it around. Never forget, because you cannot afford to be their victim again, but for your own peace of mind it's often best to let go of hate. It is not so much forgiveness, rather moving on with your own life. After all, the best revenge is a life well-lived, not wasted on recrimination.

forgiveness isn't done for the attacker, it's for the victim. as an attack victim myself (just a mugging, nothing this awful, thank God) once I forgave the man that attacked me I immediately felt better and was able to really move on. I was lucky enough to be able to do this in court and say it directly to him.

Forgiveness is not always possible; it's wonderful if he can do it.

However, the reason justice must also be served is that the attacker could do it again to somebody else in charge, or if they have retired from dancing and if they are now teaching, they could harm children. The attacker should not be allowed anywhere near the dance world. Then, everybody could forgive the person, and at least know that there is no reason to dwell on the horror.

I think some mafioso's daughter didn't get picked as the principal ballerina. It would be too horrible to think if this was truly a random act.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Sergei.

You are one of the only few that make sense of this. I would use a butter knife... takes longer.

I have seen rage, bitterness consume a victim's life,with more damage then the initial crime.Only forgiveness brings true full healing, peace to allow moving forward,happiness one day.Those who have walked such a path can testify.Even victims who've watched people killed for their crimes have said, death brought no satisfaction. Fantasizing what one want's to do, isn't the reality.

People were not made to harbor deep seated hatred, bitterness and anger perpetually. It has been established doing so can cause medical conditions and lead to long term health problems, emotional and mental problems and affection relationship. No matter who one is. Therefore, being able to forgive and move on. literally leads to a much healthier and longer life in every areas.All things being equal.

I wish this courageous Director a rapid, full recovery.Especially for the sake of his children. I will keep in my prayers this gifted, passionate and remarkable man. Who can bring inspiration and joy to a huge number of people.I hope the one responsible for this vicious act is caught soon, held accountable and serves a long time.

My sentiments exactly!! Luckyboy-2090407 truly sees the bigger picture, even if our flesh desires

revenge.

Amen to that

I believe if the attacker was trying to bring Filin down it backfired. The grace this man is showing in the face of such a hateful attack will shine so much brighter, will touch those around the world in ways he will probably never know, and will no doubt inspire most that read his response. I pray he is able to stick with this path and that hatred does not work its way into his heart. Sounds like he has found his positive to focus on in his sons. May they all work through the healing process and have all the support they need.

I don't understand why you had to add that comment about the 'state must remain separate from the Church to fulfill its compact with citizens...". First of all, I don't see how the imposition of sentencing has anything to do with forgiveness or the church. Forgiving a person doesn't absolve them from responsibility. They should still be held accountable. Second, churches and religion often uphold just punishment for heinous crimes. In fact, our whole country's laws are based on Judeo-Christian principles. Finally, to clarify a point many people do not understand, there is no such thing as "separation of church and state" in any of our country's founding documents. That is a misinterpretation of our First Amendment based on what Jefferson said in a letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802. Our founders (or at least most of them) never planned on an absolute separation of church and state, as our modern Supreme Court has been upholding at the request of some groups like the ACLU--although Jefferson did mention such a wall between the two in the letter several years later. While Jefferson was more intent on creating such a wall, other founders (like Madison, etc.) did not. I think the actual text is quite clear and doesn't need interpretation: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

(FYI...An August 15, 1789 entry in Madison’s papers indicates he intended for the establishment clause to prevent the government imposition of religious beliefs on individuals. The entry says: “Mr. Madison said he apprehended the meaning of the words to be, that Congress should not establish a religion, and enforce the legal observation of it by law, nor compel men to worship God in any manner contrary to their conscience....")

The Bible says that to forgive and pray good to your enemy is as if heaping coals of fire upon their head. Also, God says "Vengence is mine and I will repay."

And as a matter of fact, God knows how to get them back better than anyone else could ever know.

@Alton reyes.

Couldn't of been said any better. Let go and let God!!

fnkleehaw, the correct expression is "couldn't HAVE been said any better."

Sorry, it had to be done.

I think what is meant is that forgiveness is helpful to the victim and their family, and will help in a greater understanding.

However, the state must pursue justice, because the attacker is still a menace to others: anybody who would do this to one person could do this again to others. Would you want such a retired dancer to then teach your children? Anybody who retired this year, or anybody who did not get a solo they wanted, is suspect, and all of the other dancers deserve to have their names cleared. This isn't a simple "separation of church and state," but an understanding of the need to keep all of society safe from an attacker.

Some speculate what they will do when they stand before Him at last...and Sergei here will dance, I am sure, with no flaws at all.

Exacting revenge in a brutal fashion solves nothing. It turns you into someone that lives at the same level as the person who did wrong to you.

Forgiveness isn't about helping the attacker live with what they did. It's about letting go of the hate and anger in your own heart, so you can live a happy life, not dragged down by the weight of the stones tied around your heart.

"Living well is the best revenge." Please ponder on that for a while. It took me years before I fully understood what it means.

Do you remember Batman Forever? He mentioned to Grayson, the first Robin, that after that first face, you run out to find another...and another...until your whole life is about revenge. And you won't understand why.

No... I don't remember "Batman Forever". I'm a grown up and live in the real world and don't look to comic book characters for advice on life.

Well said CNORTON!

@Haid - just because Sergei says he forgives his attacker doesn't mean that he doesn't want him punished. Forgiveness is just that, a way certain people have of going on, clearing ther negative from their lives, not letting it eat them up from the inside out. Sergei will probably have the scars from this attack for the rest of his life and they will remind him every day of the attack (thus he didn't add "forget" to "forgive"). While Sergei may be a kind and gentle man who will find it in his heart to forgive he may still insist upon justice if the attackers are ever found. I know I would.

You do know this thread has nothing to do with Lance, right?

And you do know they didn't say the attacker wouldn't be prosecuted, right? Forgiveness has nothing to do with justice.