Topic: Russian Orthodox Church

Opinion: Obama must remind Vladimir Putin of human rights, religious freedom concerns

Under Vladimir Putin, Russia has passed a succession of anti-human rights laws curtailing freedom of expression, association, and assembly. Parliament might even pass a proposed blasphemy law that clearly would violate religious freedom. President Obama must speak out.

The Monitor's View: Putin's drive for Russian identity

In a big speech Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin said Russians lack 'spiritual braces.' He joins other world leaders who recently made similar warnings about their people. Should governments, especially those with weak democratic credentials, be promoting moral values?

Pussy Riot to prison colony: Two women transferred from Moscow jail

Pussy Riot to prison colony: Two members of the band Pussy Riot were each transferred from a Moscow jail Maria Alekhina was sent to a prison colony in the Urals and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova was sent to a prison colony in Mordovia.

Energy Voices
Georgia installs soccer star as energy minister

The prime minister-elect of Georgia announced earlier this week his choice of soccer sensation Kakha Kaladze as his new energy minister. The soccer star has played for top Italian clubs Milan and Genoa, according to OilPrice.com.

Focus
Vladimir Putin 2.0: A harder, eastward-looking presidency

Vladimir Putin, once again in the Kremlin's top post, faces a far more divided Russia than he did during his first stint, and he's taking a more authoritarian line to match.

Russian church calls on court to show sympathy if Pussy Riot repents

As the punk band Pussy Riot prepares for an appeal court ruling on their two-year sentences for hooliganism, the Russian Orthodox Church said any repentance for their actions should be taken into consideration.

IKEA removes Pussy Riot-like photo from its Russian site

Saying their website should not be involved with any sort of campaigns, IKEA removed a picture from their Russian site which showed people in colorful ski masks sitting on IKEA furniture.

Pussy Riot redux? Russia moves to block anti-Islam film.

Russia's communications minister and its top prosecutor are exploring options – including blocking YouTube – to prevent the film from being shown in Russia, home to 20 million Muslims.

In desecration of crosses, Russia's Orthodox church sees dark warning

The Russian Orthodox Church said an antireligious campaign – in sympathy with Pussy Riot punk band – was under way after four large wooden crosses were destroyed over the weekend.

How Russia transformed Pussy Riot into international cause célèbre (+video)

Few people took much note of Russia's Pussy Riot punk band before it was put on trial for blasphemy. Now even Putin supporters are sympathizing with the young women.

Pussy Riot sentenced: Is chorus of support helpful, or just fashionable?

Cities across the US took part Friday in Pussy Riot Global Day, but it's not clear whether the support, from governments and celebrities, will help members of the feminist punk group who were sentenced to prison for criticizing Vladimir Putin.

Russian feminist band Pussy Riot found guilty of hooliganism

The sentence has yet to be issued, the verdict is spoken: The three Russian women are guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred. Pussy Riot had stormed the altar of Moscow's cathedral in February. The charges raised concern abroad about freedom of speech in Russia.

Russians fear Pussy Riot trial is just the start

The women who make up the punk group Pussy Riot are being prosecuted for "religious hatred," which many Russians see as the Kremlin's latest tactic for silencing dissent.

Pussy Riot trial sends warning shot toward anti-Putin protesters

Critics argue that the growing list of Russian state actions against opposition figures is part of a creeping crackdown aimed at quashing new protests in September.

Russian punk rockers challenge close church-Putin ties (+video)

The punk rock group, Pussy Riot, goes on trial in what is seen as a test of how Russian leader Vladimir Putin will handled political dissent. The three women say the Russian Orthodox Church is backing Putin.

Global News Blog
Got an appointment with Vladimir Putin? Better bring a book.

It doesn't matter if you're a business leader, a prime minister, royalty, or even the pope: Russian President Vladimir Putin keeps everyone waiting, sometimes for hours.

Russia and the West lock horns over Syria

President Putin offered no indication that Russia will support a UN Security Council resolution backed by the US, Britain, and France that would open the door for military intervention.

What is Russia thinking on Syria? A brief guide

As the crisis in Syria collapses into what looks like full-blown civil war, Russia's response stems from a complicated mix of principle, self-interest, mistrust of Western motives, and differing perceptions of the situation.

Faith tourist: From Easter at the Vatican to a South Pacific church

My fascination with religious observances is ecumenical. I have recited my 'Allahu Akbars,' been blessed at Easter by the pope in St. Peter's Square, and recently attended a service in the South Pacific. Everywhere, I find a universal need for contemplation and self-surrender.

How Russians survived militant atheism to embrace God

Today, less than 20 years after the collapse of the officially atheistic Soviet Union, Russia has emerged as the most God-believing nation in Europe. That's a testament to the devotion of babushkas who kept the flames of faith alive in the face of state-sponsored repression.

Russia emerges as Europe's most God-believing nation

Nearly 20 years after the collapse of the atheistic Soviet Union, a recent poll found that 82 percent of Russians classify themselves as religious believers. But far fewer subscribe to organized religion.

Chapter & Verse
"Molotov's Magic Lantern: Travels in Russian History": an interview with author Rachel Polonsky

Journalist Rachel Polonsky explores some of the troubled fault lines in modern Russian history.

In ruling on artistic expression, some Russians see signs of broader crackdown

A Moscow court's ruling that curbs artistic expression, as well as fresh legislation to strengthen the KGB's successor and limit rights of public assembly, appear to some Russians to presage a broader crackdown.

Global News Blog
Ukraine: A gift without a price?