Support The Moscow Times!
Contribute today

Articles with tag "Religion"

new trial

Russia Overturns First Jehovah’s Witnesses Convictions

The six convictions on extremism charges were overturned because of a violation of Russia’s criminal procedure code.
HOLY RISK

Russia’s Orthodox Church Sticks to Its Traditions Despite Coronavirus Threat

As institutions across Russia close down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Church sees closing its doors as a last resort.
secret negotiators

Russian Priests, Cossacks Negotiated Ukraine’s Surrender During Crimean Annexation – Meduza

“The gates of the [Ukrainian] units opened” because of the Russian priests' presence, an unnamed special forces veteran told Meduza.
CRACKDOWN ON WORSHIP

‘Extremist’ Jehovah’s Witness Jailed in Crimea

The case is the latest in a crackdown against the religious group, which Russia had banned.
look but don't kiss

Coronavirus Alert: Russian Cossacks Told Not to Kiss Orthodox Icons

The order was prompted by reports about the health of Pope Francis, who said he had a cold.
conservative code

Putin Proposes to Enshrine God, Heterosexual Marriage in Constitution

The new amendments also ban giving away Russian territory, a possible reference to Crimea.
watchful eye

Russian Orthodox Church Steps Up Surveillance Under Government Anti-Terrorism Orders

The Church says the cameras won't be installed in confession booths.
Religious crackdown

8 Jehovah’s Witnesses Charged With ‘Extremism’ in Russia’s Jewish Region

The regional FSB branch accuses the eight believers of “renewing the activities” of the banned religious group.
one man's wife...

Russian Priest Under Fire for Calling Common-Law Wives ‘Prostitutes’

“They don’t want to say ‘I’m a free prostitute,’ so they say ‘I’m in a civil marriage’,” Archpriest Dmitry Smirnov said.
BANNED FAITH

Jehovah’s Witness Says Russian Police Used Torture in Siberian Crackdown

Russia’s Supreme Court declared the Jehovah’s Witnesses an “extremist” organization in  April 2017.
the bling ring

Russian Orthodox Leader Seen Wearing $16,000 Watch – Open Media

The watch is one of a number of luxury items that the patriarch reportedly owns.
religious freedom

Russia Sentences 2 ‘Extremist’ Jehovah’s Witnesses

Activists and human rights advocates say Russia is escalating its crackdown on the religious group.
Unholy weapons

Russian Priests Should Stop Blessing Nukes, Church Proposal Says

Blessing weapons that can kill an "indefinite number of people" must be excluded from pastoral practice, the proposal says.
illegal worship

2 Russian Jehovah’s Witnesses Charged With ‘Extremism’

They now face up to 12 years in prison.
Divisive role

Russian Church’s Controversial Ex-Spokesman Dies at 51

The staunchly conservative priest became a controversial figure for his opinions on LGBT rights, Stalin, domestic violence and more.
golden domes

Russia Plans ‘World’s Biggest’ Orthodox Church – Reports

The mastermind behind the project is reportedly Father Sergei, an influential and secretive spiritual leader.
take the plunge

Russians Take a Frozen Dip to Celebrate Epiphany

Nothing brings you closer to heaven like a quick dip in subzero waters.
banned group

Russia ‘Escalating’ Jehovah’s Witnesses Crackdown – HRW

More than half of law enforcement raids against Jehovah's Witnesses have taken place in the past 12 months, the group says.
HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Jews Celebrate Hanukkah in Moscow. Some Still Can’t Believe It.

For the 30th year running, Jews gathered just steps from the Kremlin to light a ceremonial menorah.
crackdown

Russia Detains 2 Jehovah’s Witnesses on Christmas

Investigators accused them of “organizing extremist activity” in the form of religious services.
View more articles