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on the blacklist

Russia Bans Church of Scientology With ‘Undesirable’ Tag

The Prosecutor General’s Office said the religion “poses a threat to the security of the Russian Federation.”

Jesus Was the First Communist, Russian Party Leader Says

Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov's comments are a far cry from the state atheism of the Soviet Union.

church and state

Putin Joins Sechin for Russian Monastery Excursion

Putin and Sechin can be seen touring the monastery’s main cathedral, which recently underwent a Rosneft-financed restoration.

divine punishment

Vaccinate or Repent Forever, Russian Orthodox Church Warns

An independent poll released Monday said 54% of Russians are still unwilling to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

divine intervention

Russian Football Team Needs ‘Spiritual Training,’ Orthodox Bishop Says

The national team failed to make it to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals because its players are “spiritually weak,” a Church bishop said.

FORBIDDEN WORSHIP

Russia Hands Out Longest Jail Terms Yet to Jehovah’s Witnesses

Two members of the religious denomination labeled “extremist” in 2017 have been sentenced to seven and eight years.

WEEKEND PROFILE

A Russian Jehovah’s Witness Vows to Keep Worshipping Despite Crackdown

“We have never interfered in government affairs, either as revolutionaries or as rebels.”

breaking the fast

In Photos: Russia's Muslims Mark Ramadan's End on Eid al-Fitr

Celebrations were muted for a second year in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

religious freedom

Russian Astrologer, Yoga Teacher Charged for Promoting Popular Hindu Festival

Yekaterina Kalinkina faces a fine of 50,000 rubles ($650) for "illegal missionary work."

eggs and pussy willows

In Photos: Orthodox Easter Celebrations Across Russia

Despite the still-raging coronavirus pandemic, believers marked the Russian Orthodox Church's most sacred religious holiday.

western tradition

In Photos: Russia Celebrates Western Easter Sunday

Meanwhile, Russia's Orthodox Christian majority will mark Easter next month.

Russian Troops Fined for Contentious Holy Water Shoe-Washing Video

Video of the two servicemen boasting of washing their feet in holy water at a Russian Orthodox chapel sparked backlash.

'consecration of the chariot'

Russian Priest Blesses Police Van in Siberia

The photo op follows the detention of some 12,000 people at mass nationwide rallies supporting jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.

PSYCHIATRIC HELP

Anti-Putin Shaman Re-Committed to Mental Hospital

Alexander Gabyshev was about to restart his crusade to “exorcise” Putin.

polarizing pronouncements

Outspoken Moscow Theologian Defrocked by Orthodox Church

Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev had described the head of a Moscow cathedral who died of the coronavirus as a “dumb careerist.”

fall from grace

Russia Detains Ex-Priest Suspected of Encouraging Children to 'Die for Russia'

Father Sergei Romanov was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church after he denied the coronavirus pandemic and captured a monastery.

Religious Freedoms

U.S. Adds Russia to Religious Freedom Violators Watchlist

Russia appears on the U.S. watchlist of countries that have engaged in or tolerated “severe violations” of religious freedom.

Demons and Priests

Don’t Perform Exorcisms at Home, Russian Orthodox Church Warns

A viral video showing parents attempting to expel a demon from their 10-year-old son sparked condemnation from the Church.

church and state

Russia Battles Exiled Parishioners for French Church Ownership

Moscow is accused of an “aggressive strategy” to reclaim pre-revolutionary Orthodox churches abroad.

'direct interpretation'

Mixed-Marriage Ban for Russian Muslims Sparks Backlash

The Russian Muslim Spiritual Administration's advisory council pointed to “absolutely different worldviews, cultures and education.”

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