Islam has sights set on Russia
by Vladimir Rozanskij | RUSSIA
For the first time, a thesis on Islamic theology is accepted in a state university. The faithful of Muhammad in the country could reach 30% by 2030. Islam and the Orthodox Church will have to share loyalty of believers, in competition but also in agreement with Erdogan's neo-Ottoman Turkey.
Russia's transition: from Putin to Putin
| ASIA
| VATICAN – MONGOLIA
Russians love Christmas, but not in church
Father Sergey, administering care to souls and bodies (photos)
by Vladimir Rozanskij
The Orthodox clergyman has been a doctor for decades. One of the first priests to be ordained after the end of Soviet repression, he dedicated his life to the sick and suffering. After two strokes, he travels across Russia today to lecture and look for volunteers to help in children wards at hospitals.
| RUSSIA
Pope: amid today's fires of war, we know that true peace is that of the Lord
The "peace amongst the nations" or in a country "is sown in the heart". For the pontiff, "if we do not have peace in the heart, how can we imagine peace in the world?" Yet "normally" we don't think about it. "Usually our way of doing things in the family, in the neighbourhood, at work is a way of making war", it "is the devil's temptation to make war."