Russian Orthodox Church
Russia cites ‘traditional values’ as justification for war with Ukraine
In recent weeks Russia has intensified its bombardment of Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion nearly two years ago, the Kremlin has justified the war with a list of dubious explanations, including the need to protect “traditional values” under assault from the West.
How the Middle East brought Eastern and Western Christianity together again — in officially atheist Cuba
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and Roman Catholic Pope Francis met in the Western Hemisphere’s least religious country, the first meeting since the 1000-year-old divorce between their two Christian sects. Here’s how the Middle East brought them to the Caribbean.
Russia introduces mandatory religion class for all 4th graders
Russian fourth graders will learn about one of six religions under a new program implemented in that country this school year. Under the new program, lobbied for by the Russian Orthodox Church, parents can choose from six religion or belief systems to learn about.
Russian band Pussy Riot, convicted of hooliganism, given two-year sentences
Maria Alyokhina, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Yekaterina Samutsevich will spend the next two years in prison after a Russian judge determined they had offended the sensibilities of religious people with an anti-Vladimir Putin protest performance in an Orthodox Cathedral.
