Monday, April 1, 2013

Russia and Religion

... After a year without posting, EurAmerican is back. I thought I'd share a pair of interesting posts on religious news in Russia.

The Cossacks are again inspiring awe, fear, and obedience to the law in southwestern Russia. Are they pushing to far, as some are calling for ethnic "filters" against Muslims and other ethnic minorities? A great photo diary that accompanies this piece, both courtesy of the New York Times.

The Economist reports on religious freedom in the former Soviet Union, where hopes for greater religious toleration in a post-Communist era have dimmed. The Orthodox church enjoys only 2 to 3 percent of regular attendance by the Russian populace, says reporter and author Geraldine Fagan.