We are dealing with generalities here, so it goes without saying that my comments will not apply to a specific case. I think Russia is generally a matriarchial society; at home, the women are in charge. I say this based upon knowing many Russian couples here in the US and my involvement in the Orthodox church. Its kind of humorous, but most of the Russian priests I know defer to their wives in almost all aspects of home life.
Other things to consider are the raising of children. If the Russian wife is Orthodox and religious, she will insist (correctly) that the children be baptised and raised in the Orthodox church. It would be a good idea in this case for the husband to convert to Orthodoxy and raise the children in a household of one faith. Pulling children in two dirctions of different faiths is not a good idea. Also, in the Orthodox church, marriage is a sacrement; a spiritual bond that cannot be broken. So if you are married in the Orthodox church, be advised that divorce is not an option. This is of course a very different approach to marriage than American secular society.
We Americans are egalitarian. We think all men are created equal. In my opinion, Russians do not think this way. Rather, they view a boss-subordinate relationship as the natural order of things. Some have put it rather crudely that Russians have to have an ass to kiss and an ass to kick. This characteristic is manifest in Russian political dynamics, where the central government has a great deal of power and authority (and of course corruption).
You should also give some thought to logistics. Does she have a family in Russia? If so, she will want to visit her family and possibly bring them over here. A few trips here and there and you are starting to add up the money.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
what difficulties are there, if any, in a American (Catholic)/Russian (Orthodox) marriage.... A friend wanted to know and I had no idea, even though I had dated a russian girl before (she was studying abroad here)...