Thank you all, for welcoming!
Nicholas,
Yes, unfortunately situation was dramatic in those years. Actually, my baptism even took place at the private residence of the friends of the family instead of a church. Information about a baptism of child really could destroy parents’ employment in certain positions (engineering, education, military, etc.) back then. Those restrictions did not apply exclusively to top executives and Communist party members. But in general, in Western Ukraine, where I am originally from, most children were secretly baptized, often either with closed doors of churches or in residences.
Trust me, your story sounds awesome, not boring!!! Great that you made that decision about coming to Orthodoxy! Nicholas, that is important. As a cradle Orthodox, I do not have a history of such a decision.
Ntinos,
Actually I live in USA and belong to Ukrainian Orthodox Church of USA — Ecumenical Patriarchate.