When in Russia, should I use a patronymic? (В России, мне нужно отчество?) Привет! I am planning to spend a year in Russia teaching English in a couple of years' time. Should I use a patronymic based on my father's name (Гэриович) or just stick to my English middle name (Гэри)? Can I choose - and when people need to address me with имя+отчество will they feel comfortable just using my English middle name? And what should I do in official dealings with state authorities? Thanks in advance! Луис