FYI: the NYC Visa Center now asks for a notarized affadiavit giving them permission to submit and pick up your visa application and documents to/from the Russian Consulate on your behalf. They provide this letter for you to get notarized at no extra cost.
Email them at: info.nyc@russiavisa-centre.com
Or call: 516-728-5084
Vladimir was very helpful and emailed me all necessary documents and answered my questions.
MPA