Russian schools turn Orthodox
Vadim Sorokin visits a school in Kostrovo on Slavic Alphabet Day.
The Russian Constitution requires the separation of church and state, but school officials say classes on Orthodox culture are needed to unite immigrant children of different nationalities and faiths. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
Administrator Natalia Korolchenko leads the celebration of Slavic Alphabet Day in the school gym.
If we go to Turkey, we must learn the basics of Islamic culture, Korolchenko said in an interview. When children come here, they should learn Orthodox culture. It will be easier for them. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
Svetlana and Dmitry Medvedev, left, and Lyudmila and Vladmir V. Putin attend an Orthodox Easter service in April at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow.
Medvedev has since succeeded Putin as president, and Putin is now prime minister.
Under the eight-year presidency of Putin, who is rumored to be a fervent believer, Orthodox leaders took on a new prominence. They blessed the military, praised the countrys rulers, encouraged priests to work on behalf of national interests and carefully avoided any criticism of the governments human rights or democracy record. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
Vadim Sorokin blesses a student.
Sorokin is a former Communist who was baptized as an adult. He haunts the school’s hallways on appointed days, popping from class to class as the pupils, ages 7 to 17, talk about saints and souls. (Sergei L. Loiko / Los Angeles Times)
